What type of mallet is best for use in cask tapping?

In cask tapping, the use of a mallet that weighs at least 1 kg is optimal for a few reasons. First, the substantial weight provides the necessary force to drive the tap securely into the cask, ensuring that it creates an airtight seal. This is crucial for preventing oxygen from entering the cask which could spoil the beer.

A mallet of this weight allows the individual tapping the cask to deliver the right amount of force without excessive effort or risk of missing the tap, which can lead to spills or damage to the cask. Additionally, a heavier mallet ensures more effective penetration into the wood, which is typically quite dense and needs a certain level of impact to create an effective tap hole.

Lighter mallets, such as rubber or those weighing less than 1 kg, may not provide enough force to create a proper seal, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the beer in the cask. The medium-sized composition mallet might offer some advantages in terms of weight, but still may not reach the optimal effectiveness that a heavier mallet achieves for this specific task.