Let’s Talk About Cask Night at a Brewery Near You

Diamond Knot, a brewery near you, hosts two cask nights each month, with one event at each of our two brewpub locations. During these special events, we offer our guests a unique experience with cask-conditioned beer, also known as real ale, crafted exclusively by our brewers for these occasions.

Cask-conditioned beer undergoes a distinctive brewing process that sets it apart from conventional beers. After the initial fermentation, the fresh, live beer is transferred directly into a barrel where it undergoes secondary fermentation. This secondary fermentation takes place in the barrel itself, allowing the beer to continue maturing and developing its flavors. Unlike standard beers that are filtered and pasteurized, cask-conditioned beer remains unfinished, brimming with lively, fruity residual yeast. This process ensures that the beer is very much alive and kicking right up until it is served in your glass.

On Cask Night, the beer is not dispensed through a typical beer tap. Instead, the barrel is placed directly on the bar counter and tapped with a special device, allowing the naturally carbonated beer to flow freely. This method of serving enhances the beer's texture, giving it a smoother mouthfeel that is often appreciated by cask ale enthusiasts. Moreover, this serving technique allows the intricate flavors of the beer to be showcased more prominently and often in different ways than they would be in conventionally served beer.

The unique characteristics of cask-conditioned beer, such as its smoother texture and complex flavor profile, provide a distinct and memorable drinking experience. At Diamond Knot, our Cask Nights are a celebration of this traditional brewing method, offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy beer in its purest and most flavorful form. Each Cask Night promises an exploration of taste, texture, and aroma that highlights the skill and creativity of our brewers, making it an eagerly anticipated event for beer lovers. 

What Makes Cask Beer Different From Keg Beer? 

Normal keg beer undergoes filtration and is carbonated to approximately 2.4 volumes of CO2. It is then dispensed from the keg using CO2 pressure. In contrast, cask beer is traditionally, and preferably, dispensed using a beer engine, or hand pump, which draws the beer out of the cask without the use of CO2. As the beer is dispensed, air enters the cask, which means the beer must be consumed quickly, ideally within 48 hours, to avoid going flat and spoiling. 

Additionally, cask ale is best served at a temperature of 55°F. This slightly warmer serving temperature allows the full range of flavors to emerge and enhances the appreciation of the beer’s unfiltered texture. Unlike keg beer, which is typically served colder and under higher carbonation, cask ale offers a unique drinking experience with its nuanced flavors and smoother mouthfeel. 

We look forward to seeing you at Cask Night at a brewery near you!