Nitrogen vs. CO2 for Microbreweries

November 18, 2021

If you’re currently running a microbrewery, one challenge you have encountered is deciding which gas to introduce to your brewing and pouring process: CO₂ or Nitrogen. Today, the experts at Assurance Valve look at the difference between Nitrogen and CO₂ in microbreweries, discuss which is best suited to different beers, and go over the essential equipment your beer brewing operation needs to run efficiently and ensure quality pours for your patrons.

What’s the Difference Between Nitrogen & CO₂ in Beer?

The type of gas you introduce into your craft beer influences the acidity, flavor profile, type of bubbles or foam, and many other factors. While CO₂ and Nitrogen do share some common features, there are significant differences between the two options.

How CO₂ Impacts Beer Brewing

Traditionally, most breweries and restaurants have relied on CO2 as the essential gas introduced into the brewing and beer pouring process. CO₂ removes air and protects your beer from oxidation, ensuring a great taste, satisfying mouthfeel, high quality, and longer shelf life. CO₂ also:

• Reacts with beer to raise the acidity
• Helps protect beer from bacteria or foreign yeast
• Creates bubbles and foam in the poured beer
• Increases aroma and flavor impact
• And more!

How Nitrogen Impacts Beer Brewing

Nitrogen, a newer gas in the microbrewery scene, shares many of the advantages of CO₂. However, Nitrogen has several distinctions from traditional carbon dioxide when applied to beer brewing. Compared to CO₂, Nitrogen:

• Does not react with beer and results in a lower acidity
• Forms smaller, longer-lasting bubbles and foam in beer
• Lifts the aroma and flavor
• Creates a fuller, heavier body
• And much more!

Should I Choose Nitrogen or CO₂ in My Microbrewery?

Which gas you choose comes down to which types of beer you’re brewing, what flavors or aromas you want to encourage, and what kind of beer head and beverage consistency you would like to create.

CO₂ is generally used to brew most types of beers. It is best utilized in heavier brews such as stouts, lagers, porters, and more. As Nitrogen and nitro-pours lower acidity, Nitrogen is best-suited to IPAs, ales, and other lighter craft brews with naturally higher acidity. Both gases can be applied to any brew to produce exciting and original results. Make sure that your brew gas or Nitrogen is blended to match your specific beer products to create the best beverage experience.

Selecting the Right CO₂ or Nitrogen Equipment for Microbreweries

Whether you decide that CO₂ or Nitrogen is best suited for your particular brew, it is critical to install the correct equipment for your chosen gas. While most systems can handle CO₂ and Nitrogen gas canisters, cylinder changeovers can be time-consuming and create risk for workers. When picking brewing equipment for your microbrewery, consider:

• Automatic changeover options to save time and minimize risk
• How many cylinders your brewing application requires
• Hose length
• PSI restrictions
• Customizable options to fit your individual brewing needs.

The Assurance Valve Advantage

One option for your Nitrogen or CO₂ brewing equipment is Assurance Valve’s Eliminator Automatic Changeover System. Our patented technology can help with CO₂ or Nitrogen-based systems and includes everything you need to manage your brew gas and keep your microbrewery running efficiently and without interruption, including:

• 3000 PSI inlet with 200 PSI changeover
• Tank connectors and hoses that handle high pressure
• Easy installation and implementation
• Unlimited configuration options for hose length and other system customizations
• And much, much more.

Unlike some other systems, the Eliminator reduces many drawbacks typically associated with Nitrogen canisters. It lowers product waste and reduces injuries as cylinders switch automatically.

Discuss Your Needs with Us Today!

Want to learn more about how the Eliminator and Assurance Valve can improve your microbrewery? Contact us today. We’re here to help your microbrewery run more efficiently.