First, narrow it down
Is this beer normally clear? Did it become cloudy at the same time it started pouring slowly, tasting strange, or running too cold?
What you're seeing
| Symptom | Possible cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Hazy style, tastes normal | May be intentional beer appearance | Check brewer spec. |
| Cloudiness clears as bubbles rise | CO₂ microbubbles from turbulent pour | Check temperature/faucet technique. |
| Cloudy and off-flavored | Possible product or sanitation issue | Stop serving and investigate. |
What to check
Check whether haze is expected for the product
Some wheat beers, unfiltered beer, and hazy IPAs are naturally cloudy. Compare with the brewer’s description or a fresh package.
Check beer temperature
Carbonator’s draft notes target about 34–38°F and warn that too-cold beer and glycol-related freezing can contribute to dispensing problems.
Open the faucet fully
Partial opening can agitate beer, causing fine bubbles that look like a temporary haze. Look again after the bubbles settle.
Check cleaning history and off odors
Unexpected persistent turbidity along with sour or dirty flavors can suggest a line hygiene issue. Verify whether the lines have been cleaned on the proper schedule.
Compare one line with others
One brand changed while everything else is normal can point to the beer or its individual line. Multiple lines changing at once can suggest a shared cooling or handling issue.
Why it happens
A cloudy look may be yeast/protein haze, very fine CO₂ bubbles, cold-related precipitation, or contamination. The accompanying symptoms separate those possibilities.
Need service?
If a beer that should be clear remains unexpectedly cloudy, especially with odd odors or flavors, stop selling it until the brewer or service provider evaluates it.
Contact us (215) 726-8000