Klokke Roeland Recipe

Cool and prepare keg

Place the filled keg in a refrigerator or keezer and cool to serving temperature: 3–6°C (37–43°F) for a Belgian-style ale. Allow at least 24 hours for temperature equilibration.

Set up gas and pressure

Attach the CO2 tank to the keg via the regulator and coupler. Set the regulator to the appropriate serving pressure, typically 10–12 psi (0.7–0.8 bar) depending on line length and desired carbonation. If unsure, start at 10 psi and adjust to reduce over-foaming.

Purge lines briefly

Open the tap briefly to purge any air from the beer line until beer flows steadily. Close the tap. This removes trapped gas and ensures consistent pour.

Chill lines and tap (optional)

If possible, run a small amount of beer into a drain to cool the lines, or place ice around the tap shank and lines. This helps maintain a cold, tight pour and reduces foam.

Serve beer

Hold a clean glass at a 45° angle under the tap spout about 1–2 cm away. Open the tap fully in one smooth motion and fill the glass until it's about two-thirds full. Gradually straighten the glass as it fills to create a 1–2 cm (¼–½ in) creamy head. Close the tap quickly and smoothly to prevent excess foam.

Adjust for foam

If foam is excessive, check keg temperature (too warm), serving pressure (too high), or dirty/contaminated lines. Adjust pressure down 1–2 psi and allow 15–30 minutes for the line to stabilize before retrying.

Prepare glasses

Wash glasses with a neutral detergent, rinse thoroughly with cold water, and store them upside-down to drain. Just before serving, rinse each glass with cold water to remove dust and to help with head retention.

Optional garnish

If you want a brighter aroma or lighter finish, run a lemon wedge around the rim or drop a thin twist into the glass. This is optional and not traditional for all Belgian ales.

Sanitize and clean tap equipment

Before connecting a new keg or at the start of service, clean and sanitize beer lines, coupler, and faucets using an appropriate line cleaning solution. Circulate cleaning solution through lines following the manufacturer's directions, then flush with cold water until no detergent taste remains.

Routine maintenance

Replace or deep-clean lines every 2–4 weeks during regular service. Keep CO2 tank secured and check regulator seals and connections for leaks. Store spare kegs cold and rotate stock using FIFO (first in, first out).