Viking Beer Tap Handle Review (Updated | May 2nd)
Selecting a Viking beer tap handle requires balancing aesthetic appeal with functional durability. Key considerations include the weight of the handle and the detail of the craftsmanship, as these factors influence both the pouring experience and the longevity of the hardware. This information serves home bar enthusiasts and commercial establishment owners seeking to enhance their beverage service with historically inspired decor while maintaining reliable equipment performance.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Detailed Viking Longship if you want an intricate centerpiece that doubles as a displayable collector’s item.
- Select the Patriotic Eagle Design for a bold, thematic aesthetic that prioritizes high-visibility branding at your home bar.
- Prioritize lightweight resin or hollow designs to prevent heavy handles from accidentally engaging the faucet and causing self-pouring.
- Ensure the handle features stainless steel internal threading to prevent stripping and maintain a secure connection over time.
- Look for models including a display base to safely store the handle when it is not in use.
Ebros Gift Novelty Beer Tap Handle with Display Base
Detailed Viking Longship
- Intricate longship design stands out more than basic tap handles.
- Stainless steel hardware ensures a secure, long-lasting connection to faucets.
- Lightweight enough to prevent unwanted ‘self-pouring’ from heavy handle weight.
- BEST FOR PATRIOTIC EAGLE DESIGN: Pacific Giftware Viking Ship Beer Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR INTRICATE WARRIOR FIGURINE: Pacific Giftware Viking Warrior Beer Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HAND-PAINTED RESIN CRAFT: Pacific Giftware Thor’s Hammer Beer Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DETAILED VIKING LONGSHIP: Ebros Gift Novelty Beer Tap Handle with Display Base Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Viking Beer Tap Handle
Pacific Giftware Viking Ship Beer Tap Handle
If you’re looking to turn your home bar into a literal conversation starter, this Viking Longship tap handle is a fantastic pick. It’s not just a generic plastic topper; it’s made from a hand-painted designer resin that gives it a surprisingly weighty, high-end feel.
I love that it fits any standard US faucet with a 3/8 thread, so you won’t have to mess around with adapters. The level of detail on the dragon prow and the shields along the side is impressive, making it perfect for anyone who brews a heavy stout or a traditional mead.
It even comes with a removable display base, so if you aren’t currently using it on the tap, it looks great sitting on a shelf. One thing to keep in mind is the 9-inch height; it’s quite tall, so if your kegerator has low overhead clearance or sits under a cabinet, it might be a tight squeeze.
Overall, it’s a rugged, artistic piece for a serious beer cave.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The hand-painted resin offers a unique, high-quality look.
- It fits all standard US 3/8 thread beer faucets.
- The included display base lets you use it as a statue.
- Detailed dragon prow design adds great character to your bar.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The nine-inch height might hit low-hanging cabinets.
- Hand-painted finishes mean the color tone varies between units.
Pacific Giftware Viking Warrior Beer Tap Handle
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a pint using a Viking Warrior figurine. This handle features a bearded Norseman in full gear, and because it’s individually polished and painted, no two units look exactly the same.
It feels sturdy in your hand, which is exactly what you want when you’re pouring a cold one. It stands about 9 inches tall, giving it a commanding presence on any draft tower.
This is the ideal gift for a homebrewer who wants their setup to look more like a medieval tavern than a kitchen. It uses the standard 3/8 thread ferrule, so installation takes about five seconds.
However, because it is made of composite resin, you have to be careful not to overtighten it onto the faucet, or you might risk cracking the base. It’s a bold, thematic piece that definitely beats a boring black plastic handle, especially with that stand-alone base for off-tap display.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The warrior design creates a bold, thematic focal point.
- Durable composite resin provides a solid grip for pouring.
- Standard threading ensures compatibility with most home bar setups.
- Includes a base for displaying the figurine on your desk.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Overtightening the resin threads can cause permanent damage.
- The bulky design takes up significant space on multi-tap towers.
Pacific Giftware Thor’s Hammer Beer Tap Handle
If you want your home bar to feel like a hall in Asgard, this Thor’s Hammer tap handle is the way to go. It’s got a great, chunky feel because it’s made of hand-painted designer resin, and honestly, it looks much more expensive than it actually is.
The 9-inch height gives it some serious presence on your kegerator without being so tall that it hits the top of your fridge. I love that it comes with a matching base stand, so if you ever swap it out for another handle, you can just display Mjolnir on your shelf as a statue.
It fits any standard 3/8 thread ferrule, so installation takes about five seconds. It’s the perfect gift for a Marvel fan or a homebrewer who loves Norse mythology.
The one thing to watch out for is the hand-painted finish; since they are done individually, the silver tone might be a bit darker or lighter than the photos, so don’t expect a perfect factory-matched color.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The heavy resin build feels solid and premium in your hand.
- Included display base lets you use it as a desk statue.
- Standard 3/8 threading fits almost every US draft faucet easily.
- Hand-painted details give the hammer a rugged, weathered look.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Individual paint jobs mean the color tone varies between units.
- The resin material can chip if it hits a hard counter.
Ebros Gift Novelty Beer Tap Handle with Display Base
This Viking Dragonship handle is a total conversation starter for anyone who takes their home bar seriously. It’s shaped like a classic longship with a carved dragon head at the stern, and the level of detail in the cold cast resin is actually pretty impressive.
At 9.5 inches tall, it’s a bit of a beast, but it only weighs 13 ounces, so it won’t accidentally pull your tap open under its own weight. The stainless steel attachment is a nice touch because it won’t strip like plastic threads often do.
It even comes with a 3×3 inch MDF wood base for when you aren’t using it. It’s a great choice for sailors, history buffs, or anyone who wants a ‘finishing touch’ that isn’t just a boring black plastic stick.
Just be careful with the dragon’s neck and head area; while the resin is sturdy, those thinner protruding parts are definitely the weak points if the handle gets knocked over.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Intricate longship design stands out more than basic tap handles.
- Stainless steel hardware ensures a secure, long-lasting connection to faucets.
- Lightweight enough to prevent unwanted ‘self-pouring’ from heavy handle weight.
- Comes with a wooden base for easy storage and display.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The thin dragon head detail is fragile and prone to snapping.
- MDF base feels a bit cheap compared to the resin ship.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
How do the Pacific Giftware Special and Viking models differ in build?
Both the Pacific Giftware Special and the Pacific Giftware Viking are cast from designer resin and stand about 9 inches tall. The primary difference is the aesthetic detail; while the Special model often features specific character poses, the Viking version focuses on traditional warrior imagery with hand-painted finishes that can vary slightly in color tone.
Is the Ebros Novelty Beer handle durable enough for a high-volume home bar?
The Ebros Novelty Beer handle is quite sturdy, weighing about 13 ounces and featuring a stainless steel attachment point. It is best suited for those who want a centerpiece, like the Dragonship design, though the cold cast resin requires careful handling compared to solid wood or metal handles.
What is a potential limitation of the Pacific Giftware Viking series?
Because these handles are hand-painted resin, they are more susceptible to chipping if knocked against a hard surface compared to traditional polyurethane handles. Additionally, the 3.5-inch width means you should check the spacing between your faucets to ensure two handles can sit side-by-side without touching.
Will these handles fit a standard kegerator setup?
Yes, all these models are designed for standard US faucets with a 3/8-inch thread ferrule. You simply unscrew your existing handle and thread these on, though you should ensure your faucet lever is tight enough to support the 9-inch height and weight of these resin figurines.
What should I look for regarding the weight of a novelty tap handle?
Look for a handle that weighs between 10 and 15 ounces to ensure it feels substantial without putting excessive strain on the faucet springs. A handle like the Ebros Dragonship at 13 ounces provides that premium ‘heavy’ pull feel that many enthusiasts prefer for their home bar.
How do I maintain the finish on resin tap handles?
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive sponges, as these can strip the hand-painted details off the resin. A simple damp microfiber cloth is usually sufficient to remove beer residue or fingerprints without damaging the polished finish.
What spacing considerations are necessary for themed handles?
Standard tap towers often have faucets spaced 3 inches apart, but many novelty handles like the Pacific Giftware series are 3.25 to 3.5 inches wide. If you have a multi-tap tower, you may need to stagger these with slimmer handles to prevent them from hitting each other during a pour.
