Cask Soft Spiles (50 Pack)

Essential for Cask Conditioning and Real Ale Preparation

Soft spiles are a key part of traditional cask ale conditioning. Made from porous cane, they are inserted into the shive of a cask to allow excess carbon dioxide to escape during conditioning and preparation for dispense.

Used by breweries, pubs and real ale enthusiasts alike, soft spiles help brewers manage cask pressure and ensure beer reaches the glass in the best possible condition.

Whether you’re conditioning beer in a 4.5 Gallon BevCask or a traditional 9 Gallon Firkin, soft spiles are an essential cask consumable.

What Is a Soft Spile?

A soft spile is a porous peg traditionally made from cane.

Unlike a hard spile, which completely seals the cask, a soft spile allows gas to pass through slowly. This enables excess CO₂ to escape while preventing the rapid pressure changes that can disturb the beer.

During conditioning and preparation for service, soft spiles help maintain the correct balance between carbonation and venting.

Why Are Soft Spiles Important?

As beer conditions inside a cask, yeast continues to produce carbon dioxide.

Without controlled venting, pressure can build within the cask, affecting both conditioning and serving performance.

A soft spile provides a simple way to release excess pressure while allowing the beer to settle naturally before dispense.

When Should a Soft Spile Be Used?

Soft spiles are typically used:

• During cask conditioning
• When venting a newly prepared cask
• Prior to serving
• During cellar preparation
• To release excess CO₂ before dispense

Many brewers use a soft spile during conditioning before replacing it with a hard spile once the beer has reached the desired condition.

Soft Spile vs Hard Spile

Soft Spile

• Porous cane construction
• Allows gas to escape
• Used for venting and conditioning
• Helps release excess pressure

Hard Spile

• Non-porous construction
• Seals the cask
• Used when conditioning is complete
• Helps retain condition during service

Both play an important role in traditional cask ale management.

Suitable For

• Real ale brewers
• Home bars
• Homebrew clubs
• Beer festivals
• Traditional cask dispense systems
• Cask-conditioned bee

Key Features

• Pack of 50 soft spiles
• Traditional porous cane construction
• Allows controlled release of CO₂
• Essential for cask conditioning
• Suitable for pins and firkins
• Widely used in traditional cask dispense
• Ideal for home and commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a soft spile do?

A soft spile allows excess carbon dioxide to escape from a cask during conditioning and preparation for service.

Why is it called a soft spile?

Soft spiles are made from porous cane, allowing gas to pass through the material.

When should I use a soft spile?

Soft spiles are generally used during venting and conditioning before serving the beer.

What’s the difference between a soft spile and a hard spile?

A soft spile is porous and allows gas to escape. A hard spile is non-porous and seals the cask.

Can I reuse a soft spile?

Soft spiles are generally considered consumable items and are usually replaced after use.

Do I need soft spiles for cask-conditioned beer?

If you’re conditioning and serving beer in a traditional cask, soft spiles form an important part of the conditioning process.