Blended Gas
Blended Beer Gas Supplier in South Florida
Besides CO2, Broward Nelson is a supplier of compressed blended gases for both beer systems and wine systems in South Florida. Our beer gas (available in 20 lb. and 50 lb. sizes) is made using varying mixtures of gas including 25% CO2 / 75% Nitrogen (G-Mix) and 60% CO2/40% Nitrogen (Beer Mix). These cylinders are ideal for beer systems that require pressurization greater than 13-15 psi. Without beer mix, these thicker beers will absorb too much carbonation, leading to a foamy pour and eventually ruining the keg.
Many beer companies across South Florida have certified the high-quality CO2-nitrogen cylinders and beer gas blends supplied by Broward Nelson for use in long line draft beer systems and for Guinness. Certain beers such as Guinness and Boddington’s use a specific beer mix to ensure their smooth flavor, called a Guinness gas mix. Along with beer gases, food grade nitrogen is also available in 20 lb. and 50 lb. sizes for use with beer blending systems and wine dispensing units. These systems will mix the perfect amount of CO2 and nitrogen to minimize foam and beer loss.
What Beer Gas Is and Why It Matters
Beer gas is a controlled blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen used to dispense beer through a draft beer system. Each component serves a specific purpose. Carbon dioxide maintains the beer’s natural carbonation and flavor profile, while nitrogen provides the pressure needed to move product through longer lines without increasing carbonation levels.
This balance is critical in systems that require higher pressure. Without the proper beer gas mix, beer can become over-carbonated, leading to excessive foam and product loss. Certain beer styles require a blended gas to maintain quality from keg to faucet. Broward Nelson supplies beverage gases configured to match system requirements, helping reduce waste and improve pour performance.
Choosing the Right Blend for Your Beer Style
The correct beer gas mix depends on beer type, system design, and operating pressure. Ales and lagers in long-draw systems typically use a mixed gas blend of 60% CO2 and 40% nitrogen. This combination maintains carbonation while allowing beer to travel longer distances without breaking out into foam.
Nitrogenated beers such as stouts require a different blended gas. These products commonly use a 25% CO2 and 75% nitrogen mix to achieve the desired texture and cascading effect at the faucet. Because these beers contain lower carbonation levels, a reduced CO2 ratio is required to maintain product integrity.
System variables such as line length, keg volume, and dispensing pressure all influence gas selection. Higher pressure systems require properly balanced gas blends to perform correctly. Our team works closely with bars and restaurants to match the appropriate gas configuration to each system, helping maintain product quality and reduce loss.
Handling and Pressurization Tips
Proper handling and pressurization are essential to maintaining system performance. Regulators should be set according to system design and beer specifications. Excess pressure can cause foaming, while insufficient pressure can result in flat beer and slow dispensing.
Temperature also impacts system balance. Changes in storage or line temperature can affect how gas interacts with the beer, leading to uneven pours. Maintaining stable temperature conditions helps preserve carbonation and overall product quality.
Gas blenders allow for precise control of gas ratios, making them essential in systems that serve multiple beer styles. Regular inspection of equipment and consistent pressure monitoring help maintain steady operation and reduce service issues.
Troubleshooting Common Draft Issues
Most draft issues can be traced back to gas balance and system setup. Excess foam, flat beer, and uneven pours are typically the result of incorrect gas selection or improper pressure settings.
High foam levels often indicate excessive CO2 or pressure imbalance. Flat beer can result from insufficient pressure or an incorrect blended gas that does not maintain carbonation. Irregular dispensing may point to temperature fluctuations, improper gas ratios, or system design limitations.
Correcting these issues starts with evaluating the gas mix and system pressure. Adjustments to the gas configuration can resolve most performance problems and reduce product loss. Broward Nelson provides the technical support needed to keep draft systems operating efficiently.
To inquire about CO2/N2beer gas and Guinness gas mix cylinders throughout South Florida, please call 800.262.8265 or contact us here
Frequently Asked Questions
All our beer mix and CO2 cylinders have a CGA 320 valve. Our nitrogen and helium cylinders have a CGA 580 valve.
We carry 75% nitrogen – 25% CO2 which is perfect for Guinness and stouts. We also offer pickup and delivery in the Fort Lauderdale area for a 40% nitrogen – 60% CO2 beer gas mix that works best with ales and lagers. Our cylinder sizes range from 5lb. up to 50lb. sizes for both mixtures.
A nitro stout-style beer typically requires 30+ PSIG to dispense from the keg through the system to stout faucets to acquire the glass’s cascading effect and creamy foam head. These beer styles have low CO2 content and require a lower CO2 ratio in a blend (often 25%).
Ales & lagers have more than twice the CO2 volumes than nitrogenated stout-style beers. They are not nitrogenated, but their natural carbonation must be protected while dispensing. Lower pressures are often inadequate which creates performance issues when the system design requires dispensing over long distances to the faucet. The higher pressure of a blended gas is then necessary.