What should be done with the jockey box before or after adding ice?

When using a jockey box, the best practice is to run the beer first and then add ice. This ensures that the beer is flowing through the coils and is effectively cooled as it travels through the chilled coil system. The primary function of a jockey box is to chill the beer to the desired serving temperature, so allowing the beer to flow beforehand allows for optimal cooling.

If ice is added before running the beer, the chilling effect may not be maximized since the beer would not be exposed to the cooling coils until it starts flowing. Adding ice only if the beer is warm is not a proactive approach, as it does not consider the potential for the beer to be served at an undesirably warm temperature. Furthermore, while both actions happening simultaneously could seem efficient, it may hinder the overall chilling process, as the beer needs to pass through the coils to be properly cooled.

This method not only enhances the quality of service but also helps maintain the integrity of the beer by ensuring it is served at its best temperature.