What are choker lines in a draft system?

Choker lines in a draft system are specifically designed to add resistance within the beer transport system, thereby helping to balance the flow of beer from the keg to the tap. These lines introduce additional friction and pressure drop, which can be crucial in systems where the natural pressure provided by the CO2 and the design of the beer line does not adequately regulate the flow.

Balancing a draft system is essential to ensure that the beer pours correctly—neither too fast nor too slow—while avoiding off-flavors or unwanted gas issues. By using choker lines, a brewer can make adjustments that account for variations in beer viscosity, line length, and temperature, which could otherwise lead to pouring problems.

While other options refer to components of the draft system, they do not accurately describe the role of choker lines. For instance, flexible tubes transport beer but don't inherently balance flow; CO2 regulation is handled by other mechanisms in the system; and cooling lines, although important, serve a different purpose by managing temperature rather than affecting flow dynamics directly.