The Krups BeerTender B90 Mini Keg system is a popular option for those who enjoy draft beer at home. It provides a convenient, portable, and compact way to serve beer straight from the tap. Choosing the right beer for your BeerTender B90 can significantly enhance your drinking experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best beers to pour into your Krups BeerTender B90, including considerations for flavor, carbonation, and keg compatibility.
Understanding the Krups BeerTender B90
Before diving into specific beer recommendations, it’s essential to understand how the Krups BeerTender B90 works. The BeerTender B90 is designed to work with mini kegs, usually 5 liters, which are pre-filled with beer and ready to be tapped. The system maintains the beer’s freshness, and with its cooling system, it keeps your beer at the perfect serving temperature.
Key Features of the BeerTender B90:
- Temperature Control: Keeps beer at 37-53°F (3-12°C).
- Compact Design: Ideal for home use or small spaces.
- Easy Tap System: Compatible with a variety of mini kegs, including Heineken and other select brands.
Considerations for Beer Selection:
- Carbonation: The BeerTender B90 keeps beer at optimal carbonation levels, so it’s essential to select beers that maintain their freshness under these conditions.
- Flavor Profile: The BeerTender B90 works best with beers that have rich flavors and moderate to high carbonation.
- Compatibility with Kegs: Ensure that the mini kegs you choose are compatible with the BeerTender B90, as not all mini kegs are designed for this system.
Top Beers to Pour in Your Krups BeerTender B90
1. Heineken
Heineken is the classic choice for the Krups BeerTender B90. Known for its crisp and slightly bitter flavor, Heineken works beautifully in the BeerTender B90 due to its moderate carbonation levels. The mini keg of Heineken fits perfectly into the system, ensuring the beer remains at the ideal serving temperature without losing its signature flavor profile.
Why it works:
- Balanced carbonation
- Familiar, light lager taste
- Widely available in mini keg format
2. Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier
If you’re a fan of wheat beers, Paulaner Hefe-Weißbier is an excellent choice. This German wheat beer offers a smooth, slightly fruity flavor with hints of banana and clove. The beer’s higher carbonation level complements the BeerTender B90’s ability to maintain draft-style freshness.
Why it works:
- Bold flavors that come through on tap
- Ideal carbonation for mini keg systems
- A refreshing choice for warm weather
3. Krombacher Pils
Krombacher Pils is a renowned German pilsner that offers a perfect balance of bitterness and malt sweetness. Its clean and crisp finish makes it a great option for pouring through the BeerTender B90. The beer’s smooth, dry taste and moderate carbonation ensure that it remains refreshing throughout the serving process.
Why it works:
- Crisp, clean taste
- Suitable carbonation for BeerTender B90
- Long-lasting freshness in mini keg format
4. Beck’s Beer
Another classic lager, Beck’s Beer is perfect for those who enjoy a light, crisp, and highly drinkable beer. Its mild bitterness and subtle maltiness make it a great match for the BeerTender B90’s temperature control system. Beck’s Beer is widely available in mini kegs, and the system helps maintain its refreshing qualities.
Why it works:
- Mild bitterness and easy-drinking profile
- Great for casual gatherings
- Consistent freshness in the BeerTender B90 system
5. Guinness Draught
For fans of stouts, Guinness Draught is an iconic choice. Although slightly heavier than typical lagers, Guinness still works well in the BeerTender B90 due to its unique nitrogen-based carbonation. This creates a smooth and creamy mouthfeel that is maintained through the BeerTender B90’s tap system, ensuring you get a perfect pour every time.
Why it works:
- Iconic creamy texture
- Nitrogen carbonation for smooth pours
- Strong, distinct flavor that’s perfect for tap systems
6. Amstel Light
Amstel Light is a great choice for those who prefer lighter beers. This Dutch pilsner has a slightly malty flavor with a refreshing finish, making it an excellent option for the BeerTender B90. Its lower ABV and clean taste make it perfect for casual sipping, and the mini keg system helps preserve its fresh flavor and carbonation.
Why it works:
- Light, refreshing taste
- Low ABV for easy drinking
- Well-suited for maintaining freshness in mini kegs
7. Hoegaarden
Hoegaarden is a Belgian-style wheat beer that has a unique flavor profile, combining citrusy and spicy notes with a smooth mouthfeel. The higher carbonation in Hoegaarden makes it a great beer for the BeerTender B90, as the system helps keep the beer at the ideal serving temperature without sacrificing flavor.
Why it works:
- Fruity and spicy flavor profile
- Higher carbonation complements BeerTender B90’s design
- Excellent for beer enthusiasts seeking something different
8. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a well-loved American pale ale with bold hop flavors and a balanced malt backbone. The beer’s higher hop bitterness works well with the BeerTender B90, as it can maintain the beer’s fresh hop profile and moderate carbonation. If you prefer a more robust flavor, this is a great choice for your mini keg.
Why it works:
- Bold hop character with balanced malt
- Maintains fresh hop profile under BeerTender B90’s cooling system
- Ideal for craft beer lovers
Installation, Adjustment, and Maintenance Tips for Your Krups BeerTender B90
Installation:
- Set Up the BeerTender: Unbox the BeerTender B90 and place it on a stable, flat surface.
- Connect the Keg: Open the mini keg and connect it to the BeerTender’s tap system, ensuring it’s tightly sealed.
- Plug in the Device: Insert the power cord into an outlet and turn on the BeerTender.
- Adjust the Temperature: Use the temperature control settings to set the ideal serving temperature for your beer.
Adjustment:
- Temperature Control: Adjust the temperature according to the type of beer. Lighter lagers like Heineken and Beck’s benefit from colder temperatures, while stouts and wheat beers like Guinness and Paulaner are best served slightly warmer.
- Tap Pressure: Ensure that the tap pressure is consistent to avoid over or under-pouring.
Maintenance:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean the BeerTender B90 regularly to ensure proper functionality. Wash the tap system and keg holder after each use.
- Inspect Seals: Check the seals on the keg and tap system to prevent air leakage, which can affect the freshness of your beer.
Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues
- Beer Isn’t Pouring Correctly: If the beer is not flowing correctly, ensure that the keg is securely connected and that there are no obstructions in the tap.
- Beer Temperature Too High or Too Low: Adjust the temperature settings if the beer is not being kept at the correct temperature. Ensure that the BeerTender B90 is plugged in and operational.
- Excessive Foam: If the beer is pouring with too much foam, check the keg’s pressure level and ensure it is not over-carbonated.
Customization and Optimization for Better Performance
To get the most out of your BeerTender B90, consider these optimization tips:
- Choose the Right Beer: Lighter beers generally perform better in mini keg systems, but craft beers with higher carbonation can also work well.
- Adjust Temperature for Beer Type: Lighter beers like Heineken should be served colder, while stouts and wheat beers are best at slightly higher temperatures.
Comparison with Similar Products
When comparing the Krups BeerTender B90 to other mini keg systems, such as the Heineken Draught Keg System or the Fizzics DraftPour, the BeerTender B90 stands out for its reliable temperature control, compact design, and compatibility with a variety of mini kegs. While other systems may offer similar features, the BeerTender B90’s ability to maintain the freshness of a broad range of beers makes it a versatile and excellent option for home use.
Compatibility with Other Beer Products
The Krups BeerTender B90 is compatible with select mini kegs, such as those from Heineken, Paulaner, and Amstel Light. It is essential to verify compatibility with the kegs you plan to use before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit. Additionally, you can pair the BeerTender B90 with compatible glassware for an authentic draft experience at home.