It is possible to serve beer directly from a Unitank. The Unitank is a versatile fermentation vessel that is designed to not only ferment beer but also carbonate and serve it. It has the necessary fittings and attachments to allow for dispensing beer directly from the vessel. However, while it is technically possible, there are some considerations and potential drawbacks to serving beer directly from a Unitank.
One of the main concerns when serving beer directly from a Unitank is the potential for picking up or mixing fermentation byproducts in the finished beer. During fermentation, yeast and other solids can settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a layer known as trub. This trub can contain various compounds, including yeast, hop particles, and other sediment. If the Unitank is not properly designed or equipped with the necessary filtering or clarifying mechanisms, there is a risk that these solids could be picked up and dispensed along with the beer, leading to a cloudy or off-flavored final product.
To avoid this issue, it is generally recommended to transfer the beer from the Unitank to a separate serving vessel, such as a Brite Tank or Keg. These vessels are designed specifically for serving beer and often have additional features like a dedicated serving line and a means of filtering or clarifying the beer before it is dispensed. By transferring the beer to a dedicated serving vessel, you can ensure that any potential sediment or byproducts are left behind in the Unitank, resulting in a cleaner and clearer beer.
Transferring the beer to a separate vessel also allows for more control over the carbonation level. Unitanks are typically designed to handle both fermentation and carbonation, but the carbonation process can take some time and may require additional equipment, such as a carbonation stone or spunding valve. By transferring the beer to a Brite Tank or Keg, you can carbonate the beer more easily and precisely by using a carbonation chart or by force carbonating it with CO2.
Additionally, serving beer directly from a Unitank may not be practical in certain situations. For example, if you have multiple beers fermenting in different Unitanks, it would be difficult to serve all of them simultaneously without a dedicated serving system. Transferring the beer to separate vessels allows for greater flexibility and the ability to serve multiple beers at once.
While it is technically possible to serve beer directly from a Unitank, it is generally recommended to transfer the beer to a dedicated serving vessel to avoid potential issues with sediment, off-flavors, and lack of control over carbonation. Transferring the beer allows for a cleaner and clearer final product, as well as greater flexibility in serving multiple beers.