The spelling of "draught beer" can be a bit confusing due to the silent "gh" in "draught." Phonetically, the word can be transcribed as /drɑːft bɪər/. The "dr" sound is followed by the long "a" vowel sound, then the "f" and "t" sounds, and finally the two separate syllables for "beer." The silent "gh" in "draught" is a remnant of the Old English spelling of the word, which eventually transformed into the modern pronunciation of "draft."
Draught beer, also known as draft beer in American English, refers to beer that is served directly from a keg or a cask, rather than being packaged in bottles or cans. It is typically kept at a chilled temperature and served on tap, immediately poured into a glass or mug upon request. The term "draught" itself is derived from the Old English word "dragan," meaning "to draw or pull," referencing the act of pulling the beer from the keg or cask.
Compared to packaged beer, draught beer provides a fresher and more flavorful drinking experience due to its lack of exposure to light and air, which can potentially degrade the quality of the product. Additionally, the process of serving draught beer allows for the controlled release of carbonation, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture.
The term "draught beer" is often used interchangeably with "draft beer," but it can encompass different styles and variations of beer, including lagers, ales, stouts, and pale ales. It is a popular choice in bars, pubs, and restaurants as it offers a communal drinking experience, where patrons can watch their pint being poured and enjoy its distinctive taste and aroma. Due to its perishability and specific serving requirements, draught beer is not typically available for purchase in stores and is primarily consumed in establishments with dedicated taps.
The word "draught" in the context of beer can be traced back to Middle English and Old English. The term "draught" comes from the Old English word "dragan", which means "to draw" or "to pull". In this context, "draught" refers to the action of drawing out beer from a cask or barrel. The spelling of "draught" with the silent 'gh' came into use during the 17th century, reflecting the spelling changes in Middle English. So, "draught beer" originally referred to beer that was drawn directly from a cask rather than being bottled. Nowadays, it generally refers to beer served on tap from a keg.