In a long draw keg system, what is the primary purpose of glycol?

In a long draw keg system, glycol is primarily used to cool the beer in the trunk lines. When beer is dispensed from kegs that are located some distance away from the tap, maintaining the proper temperature throughout this distance is crucial for serving quality. The glycol, which is chilled in a reservoir, circulates through lines that are either alongside or integrated with the beer lines. This process ensures that the beer remains cold while traveling through the longer distances of the system, preventing any heat gain that could affect both flavor and carbonation levels.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of glycol in this context. Carbonating the beer is a separate process that occurs before dispensing, while adding flavor is not a function of any cooling system. Additionally, while proper cooling can help maintain freshness and potentially affect shelf life, glycol’s primary role is temperature management during transportation rather than directly increasing shelf life. This focus on temperature preservation is essential to uphold the quality and integrity of the beer serving experience.