What is the difference in taste and price between tap beer and bottled beer?

I notice tap beer is usually cheaper than bottled and to my taste it's smoother and fresher. Do you prefer tap or bottled, why and what kind?

I prefer bottle simply because I mostly drink imported beers and those aren't usually on tap. Asahi or Red Stripe.

The production to fill one 1 keg (15.5 gallons) is cheaper than to fill its equivalent of 165 12oz. bottles. Moreover, the kegs can be reused, thus further reducing production cost. While beer bottles can be recycled, it is cheaper to reuse than to recycle--in this instance anyway.

As for taste, not sure. I have the same observation as you in that the taste is better from a keg versus a bottle. It would be interesting to do a blind taste taste between the two to see if people could tell the difference, or even had a preference. I think with keg beer, one can control the carbonation much better than if out of the bottle. Also, in a keg the beer is not exposed to light which probably helps it retain its better qualities. Also, keg beer is less likely to spend a lot of time on the shelf versus beer in a bottle.

Basically, If you take into consideration of the location in which you are drinking the beer at, clean lines (line from keg to tap) play a HUGE part in taste. If the bar keeps their lines clean ,which is hard to come by, will keep the beer tasting fresh and smooth. Bottled beer is usually more expensive to due the packaging costs. Sticking with bottled beer will keep the taste more consistent. Bottle beer is the way to go, unless your to the point of not tasting anything anyway. :) CHEERS!

I prefer tap. I only drink bottles and cans at home, but I'm the only one in the house that drinks beer so a keg would be silly. For parties, though, I love a cold 1/4 keg of Michelob. Kegs are way better for parties anyway because of the trash factor with cases and cases...a sharpie to mark the plastic cups reduces the trash there, too. I enjoy all kinds of beer but Michelob is just great on a hot summer day outside.

Tap beer almost always tastes better because it's kept refrigerated and doesn't have as long a shelf life. I agree that is usually is cheaper too but really it tastes better. If you ever have a chance take a brewery tour and sample the beer at the end of the tour. Its usually really fresh and tastes so good

I prefer whatever's on tap. I'll find a brand that I like.

Bottled and canned are made to be stored for longer periods of time, while kegged typically gets used up faster. Also, cans can add a tinny flavor to beers, while bottles allow light in which can damage the flavor of beer. That's why the darker the bottle, the better usually. Kegs are used and reused, so they won't get that new can taste from the aluminum.

The main difference in price is because of the container. Glass for bottles and aluminum for cans cost money. That cost is passed on to the consumer in the price. If you remember, canned beer used to be cheaper than bottled. Now, with metal prices going up, they're about the same.