Beer Tap Handles Tap Into Advertising
Beer-Brews.com


Defined Tag: Beer Tap Handles.

Beer tap handles function only to open a valve and release beer into a beer glass. That's their job in a mechanical sense. Bar, tavern and pub owners find that decorative beer taps can serve another useful purpose: advertising. Custom tap handles can be expensive to buy, but serve as a powerful visual lure behind the bar. These beer handles tap into draft beer as well as into the imaginations of the customers.

Taps are the valves that dispense pressurized beverages such as beer. Taps for other liquids, such as water, are usually called faucets. Wood, chrome, or porcelain beer handles may fill the beer mugs perfectly. However, the pub owner who does not take advantage of the visual magnetism of custom crafted beer taps is losing sales. A recent news story illustrates this point very well.

This story profiled a bar that has 50 custom beer taps behind the bar. The display encourages the steady Budweiser or Coors beer drinker to reconsider his usual choice. Bar patrons have learned to associate their favorite craft beers with the unique beer handle tap associated with it. One of the featured craft beers is has the word "pig" in its name. A tap handle featuring a plastic pink pig in a tuxedo dispenses that beer. Visible from across the room, this custom beer handle entices curious patrons to try a mug of this unusual brand of beer.

Most brands of beer in this pub are assigned to a specific handle. The remainder rotate among several brands. Tavern customers who don't know the brand of the beer can order by describing the tap handle for that beer. These unique taps take the uncertainty out of ordering new beer, and encourage customers to try a different ale.

Bar owners can easily capitalize on the customized beer tap craze. Many companies will create beer handles to the customers' specifications. Prices for unique beer taps may range from dozens to hundreds of dollars. However, this cost may be easily recouped by increased beer sales. Beer handles can be crafted in traditional wood, molded resin, or with a metallic flair. Minimum orders of 100 tap handles or more may apply. Barkeepers wanting a single handle may have to order a standard handle with engraving.

Customized handles on beer taps entertain the customers and make more sales for the tavern owner. Collectors of beer memorabilia are taking notice as well. The use of unique beer tap handles is a winning proposition for everyone involved.