Cask vs. Keg: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?

When it comes to enjoying a pint, most beer lovers are familiar with the choice between cask and keg. But what sets them apart? Whether you prefer the tradition of a hand-pulled ale or the refreshing fizz of a keg pour, understanding the differences can help you appreciate the flavour, freshness, and care that go into every glass.

Let’s dive into the world of cask and keg beer, and what we choose to brew at Batemans Brewery.

What Is Cask Ale?

Cask ale, sometimes called “real ale,” is beer that continues to ferment in the cask it’s served from. It’s a live product – unfiltered, unpasteurised, and naturally conditioned. That means the carbonation occurs organically, rather than being added with gas.

Cask ale is served at cellar temperature (around 11-13°C) and traditionally poured using a hand-pump or gravity dispense. This slightly warmer temperature allows the full character of the beer to shine through, with subtle flavours and aromas that might be muted when served colder.

You’ll usually find cask ale in smaller 9-gallon casks, which means it’s best enjoyed fresh, typically within 3–5 days once tapped. But that short shelf life makes it special: it’s a beer evolving in the cask and meant to be enjoyed at its peak.

What Is Keg Beer?

Keg beer is stored and dispensed under pressure using CO₂ or a mix of CO₂ and nitrogen. It’s typically filtered and pasteurised, giving it a longer shelf life and a bright, polished clarity.

Because of the gas pressure, keg beer tends to be more carbonated, offering a crisper mouthfeel and lively bubbles, which many drinkers find especially refreshing on warm days. It’s also served colder, usually between 3-8°C, and lasts longer once opened, often up to 3-4 weeks depending on setup.

Thanks to its sealed environment and consistency, keg beer is an excellent fit for quieter venues, where beer might not move as quickly, and freshness needs to be preserved for longer.

Enter Key Cask: The Best of Both Worlds?

Key Cask is a modern format that offers a practical solution for keeping cask beer fresh a little longer. These vessels contain a flexible bag of beer inside a pressurised outer shell. Because the beer doesn’t come into contact with air, it can stay fresh for up to 10 days once tapped.

Key Cask is ideal for pubs serving cask ale across a more extended period – say, over two weekends – while reducing waste and preserving flavour.

Most of our core cask ales, including XXXB and 5G, are available in Key Cask format, helping more beer lovers enjoy proper real ale with added convenience.

It’s Not a Contest – It’s About Choice

It’s easy to pit cask and keg beer against each other, but the truth is, both offer something special.

Cask ale invites a closer connection to brewing tradition, where its natural conditioning, evolving character, and delicate flavour profile reward those who enjoy a more subtle pint. But that doesn’t mean keg beers aren’t crafted with care. Many small brewers put just as much love into producing flavour-forward keg beers that offer freshness, consistency, and shelf stability.

The best venues are the ones that get both right – serving lively, fresh cask ales and beautifully kept keg beers side by side, so drinkers can choose what suits their mood.

Let’s Talk Beer – The Batemans Way

Whether a hand-pulled pint of Yella Belly Gold enjoyed in a sunny garden or a chilled glass of kegged lager on a warm day, we believe beer should be flavourful, well-kept, and brewed with heart.

At Batemans, we’re proud to offer:

• Our full range of cask ales – from award-winning classics to seasonal specials
• A great selection of Key Cask beers for flexible cellar management
• A line-up of quality keg beers and lagers from respected brewers around the UK and beyond (think Heineken, Beavertown, Cruzcampo, and more)

So next time you take a sip, think: is it cask or keg? And whatever your answer, savour it –every Bateman’s cask beer is brewed with character, care, and a little Lincolnshire soul.

Cheers to choice, craftsmanship, and a cracking pint.