what is draught beer

Draught beer, also spelled draft, is beer served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can. Draught beer served from a pressurized keg is also known as keg beer. The term "draught" originated from the Old English word "dragan," which means "to carry or pull". The difference between "draft" and "draught" is just a matter of spelling, with "draft" being more commonly used in American English and "draught" being more commonly used in British English. Draught beer is stored in kegs and served straight from the tap, which can be pressurized or pumped by hand. Draught beer is considered to be the freshest option for beer enthusiasts and is generally considered to be the optimal method of showcasing the art of brewery. The keg blocks sunlight away, eliminating degradation from light, and prevents oxygen from seeping in, thus keeping the beer fresh for longer. Draught beer is usually consumed at a faster rate, which means that beer is stored for less time and is kept fresh. Draught beer generally tastes better than bottled beer because of the brewing process, storage, and dispensing factors. However, a poorly designed or poorly maintained dispensing system or improperly cleaned glassware can ruin the drinking experience.