Cask Cooling Probe with Shive

Direct Cooling for Cask-Conditioned Beer

Keeping cask ale at the correct serving temperature can be challenging outside of a temperature-controlled cellar. The Cask Cooling Probe with Shive provides an effective solution by cooling the beer directly inside the cask, helping maintain consistent serving temperatures and beer quality throughout dispense.

Designed for use with horizontal casks and a cold water recirculation beer cooler, the probe is inserted through the shive opening and sits directly within the beer, providing efficient cooling exactly where it is needed. It can also be used in conjunction with a glycol chiller in exactly the same way if you have a spare line on your chiller, or by adding an independent submersible pump into your glycol bath and controlling via an InkBird temperature controller to turn the pump on and off as required to keep your cask beer cool.

The stainless steel pipe is 5/16th diameter, meaning you can easily add push fit fittings such as John Guest 3/8 Line to 5/16 Line Adapter  and John Guest 3/8″ Stem to 1/2″ Hose Barb  to take you from the pipe work to a glycol or water bath chiller line.

 

Cool the Beer, Not the Room

Traditional pub cellars naturally keep casks at serving temperature, but many home bars, beer festivals and temporary dispense setups don’t have that luxury.

By circulating chilled water through the stainless steel probe, heat is removed directly from the beer inside the cask. This provides more efficient cooling than simply cooling the surrounding air and helps maintain a consistent serving temperature, even in warmer environments.

It can be used alongside an insulated jacket of some discription, the system can provide an effective alternative to a dedicated cellar.

Designed for Horizontal Casks

The probe is supplied with an integrated shive and is designed for use in horizontal casks after venting.

To install, remove the existing shive once the cask has been vented, sanitise the probe and insert it through the shive opening. The integral plastic shive then creates a secure seal while allowing the cooling probe to remain in place throughout dispense. Simply tap gently into place so you can remove when the cask has been finished, enabling repeat use.

The adjustable design allows compatibility with a wide range of cask sizes from 4.5 Gallon Pins through to 18 Gallon casks.

Key Features

• Stainless steel cooling probe
• Integrated shive assembly
• Direct cooling inside the cask
• Suitable for horizontal casks
• Adjustable for 4.5 to 18 gallon casks
• Designed for use with recirculating beer coolers
• Compatible with insulated cask jackets
• Suitable for home and commercial use

Suitable For

• 4.5 Gallon BevCasks
• 9 Gallon Firkin Casks
• 18 Gallon Casks
• Real ale dispense systems
• Home bars
• Beer festivals

Ideal For

• Home bars
• Beer festivals
• Real ale events
• Homebrew clubs
• Temporary dispense setups
• Traditional cask ale service
• Warm weather serving

Why Use a Cask Cooling Probe?

Maintain Serving Temperature

Helps keep beer at an ideal serving temperature throughout dispense.

Improve Beer Quality

Consistent temperature helps preserve flavour, aroma and presentation.

Perfect for Home Bars

A practical solution when a dedicated cellar isn’t available.

Ideal for Festivals and Events

Helps prevent casks warming up during busy service periods.

Works with Existing Cooling Systems

Designed for use with cold water recirculation beer coolers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a cask cooling probe do?

A cooling probe circulates chilled water through a stainless steel tube positioned inside the cask, helping cool the beer directly rather than relying on ambient cooling.

Do I need a cellar to use this?

No. The probe is designed to help maintain serving temperatures when a traditional cellar is not available.

Can I use this with a home bar setup?

Absolutely. It is ideal for home bars, garages, sheds and other dispense setups where temperature control may be limited.

What size casks is it suitable for?

The adjustable design is suitable for casks from 4.5 gallons up to 18 gallons.

Does it come with a shive?

Yes. The probe includes an integral shive that seals the cask once installed.

What cooling equipment do I need?

The probe is designed for use with a cold water recirculation beer cooler and can be used alongside insulated cask jackets for improved cooling performance.

 

For more inspiration on how to set up your own Cask dispense at home, check out the video series on our YouTube Channel called “Cask Life”