In the Old West, saloons faced the challenge of keeping their beer cold in the scorching summer temperatures. Without modern refrigeration methods, saloonkeepers had to come up with creative ways to ensure that their patrons could enjoy a refreshing beverage.
One common method used to keep beer cool was to advertise it as “Cool Beer” rather than “Cold Beer.” This was a clever way of managing patrons’ expectations and acknowledging the limitations of the available cooling methods. It also highlighted the fact that the beer would be relatively cooler compared to the outside temperature.
To maintain a cool temperature, saloons would often use wet gunny sacks and sawdust. They would wrap the beer barrels with damp gunny sacks, which are coarse woven bags typically made from jute or hemp. The moisture in the sacks would evaporate, creating a cooling effect due to the principle of evaporation cooling. Sawdust, which is an insulating material, was then layered on top to help maintain the cool temperature.
Another method employed by saloonkeepers was to harvest ice from the nearby ice caves. In places like Flagstaff, Arizona, there were natural ice caves that provided a source of ice during the summer months. Saloonkeepers would venture to these caves and collect ice to use in their establishments. This ice was stored in iceboxes or icehouses and used to cool the beer. While this method was not as effective as modern refrigeration, it still provided a significant improvement in keeping the beer cool.
It is worth mentioning that the duration for which these cooling methods could keep beer cool would vary. Factors such as the outside temperature, the quality of insulation, and the frequency of replenishing the ice or wet gunny sacks would all impact the effectiveness. However, these methods would typically provide some degree of cooling for most of the summer.
In my personal experience, I have visited historical sites and museums that have recreated Old West saloons. These establishments often showcase the methods used to keep beer cool, providing a glimpse into the ingenuity of saloonkeepers during that era. It is fascinating to see how they made do with the resources available to them and adapted to the challenging environmental conditions.
Old West saloons employed various methods to keep their beer cool during the summer months. From using wet gunny sacks and sawdust to harvesting ice from nearby caves, saloonkeepers utilized creative techniques to provide a refreshing drink to their patrons. While not as efficient as modern refrigeration, these methods were a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of the people of the Old West.