Keg Root Beer: Where To Buy And How To Serve

Root beer kegs are available for purchase or rent from several retailers and breweries. Some companies, such as Fitz's Root Beer, offer keg rentals for special events and large gatherings. These kegs typically contain 7.75 gallons of root beer, serving approximately 80 12-ounce pours. Other options include purchasing a 5-liter pony keg from Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop or a full-sized keg from the Rockford Brewing Company. Root beer kegs can also be sourced from local liquor stores or brewpubs that sell beer kegs or make beer and soda in-house. However, due to their weight and return policy, breweries typically do not ship root beer kegs directly to consumers.

Where to buy a keg of root beer

Root beer kegs can be tricky to find, but they are available if you know where to look. You have a few options when it comes to purchasing a keg of root beer.

Firstly, you could try calling a local liquor store that sells beer kegs and ask if they can special order a root beer keg for you. This may be a good option if you don't have time to go hunting for a keg and need a quick solution. They may be able to source one for you and let you know when it's available for pickup or delivery.

Another option is to go directly to the source and ask a local brewery or brewpub that produces both beer and soda in-house if you can purchase a root beer keg. This option may require a bit more legwork, as you'll have to find a brewery that makes root beer and then inquire about purchasing a keg directly from them. It's worth noting that breweries typically do not ship kegs to individual consumers due to the weight and the fact that kegs must be returned after use. So, you'll need to either pick up the keg yourself or arrange for local delivery.

If you're based in St. Louis or Sappington, Missouri, you're in luck! Fitz's Root Beer offers root beer keg rentals from their Delmar Loop and South County locations. They request a 5-day notice for rentals and require a deposit to ensure the prompt return of the keg. This option is great if you want to serve root beer to a large group of people, and the deposit system ensures that you won't be on the hook for a costly keg if it's accidentally not returned on time.

Lastly, for those in the Eastern US, Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop offers a 5-liter pony keg of 1919 Root Beer, which can be shipped for free with any purchase over $50. This option is ideal for those who want a smaller quantity of root beer and don't need a full-size keg.

How much does a keg of root beer cost

Root beer kegs can be difficult to find, but they are available at some breweries, pubs, and liquor stores. The price of a keg of root beer varies depending on the brand, size, and location.

For example, the Rockford Brewing Company sells a keg of Rambo Root Beer for $150. This keg holds 15.5 gallons of root beer, which is equivalent to 165 cans or 124 pints. On the other hand, Fitz's Root Beer does not list the price of their kegs on their website but does mention a $200 deposit for each keg rented, indicating that the cost of the keg is likely separate and in addition to this deposit.

The average cost of a standard-size beer keg ranges from $85 to $200, depending on factors such as type, size, location, and taxes. While root beer is not a beer, we can assume that the cost of a root beer keg would be similar in price and influenced by similar factors.

When purchasing a root beer keg, it is important to consider that they must be returned after use and cannot be shipped to individual consumers. Breweries typically only work through their distributors, so it is necessary to either pick up the keg directly from the source (the brewery) or through a store.

How much root beer is in a keg

Root beer kegs come in various sizes and there are two standard ways of measuring them. The most common in America is the BBL ("barrel"), and the European style is measured in litres.

The BBL is actually a measurement used for breweries when making much larger batches, as their tanks are measured by the BBL. Microbreweries most commonly use tanks in the 5 BBL to 100 BBL range. The measurements for commonly available kegs are fractions of that: 1/2 BBL (15.5 gallons), 1/4 BBL (7.75 gallons) and 1/6 BBL (5.16 gallons or 5.2 gallons).

A 5-gallon keg contains 53 12-oz servings, while a 7.75-gallon keg contains 82 12-oz servings. A 15.5-gallon keg contains 165 12-oz servings.

European kegs are generally either 55 litres, 30 litres, or 20 litres. A 20-litre keg contains 56 12-oz servings, a 30-litre keg contains 83 12-oz servings, and a 55-litre keg contains 155 12-oz servings.

Some companies, like Fitz's Root Beer, offer keg rentals, but they require a deposit and must be returned within 72 hours to avoid a deposit fee.

How long can I keep a keg

Yes, you can buy a keg of root beer, but they can be tough to track down. Your best bet is to call a local liquor store that sells beer kegs and ask if they can special order a root beer keg for you. You could also try asking a local brewpub that makes beer and soda in-house if they would sell you one of their root beer kegs.

Now, onto the question of how long you can keep a keg. Well, it depends on a few factors, including the type of beer and the way it is dispensed.

Pasteurized vs Unpasteurized Beer

Firstly, it's important to know whether your beer is pasteurized or unpasteurized. Pasteurized beer has a shelf life of about 90-120 days (3-4 months), whereas unpasteurized beer will last about 45-60 days (6-8 weeks) when stored at the correct temperature. If you're unsure, treat your beer as if it's unpasteurized.

Dispensing Methods

The method you use to dispense your beer will also impact its shelf life. Using a kegerator or draft system with CO2 will keep your beer fresh for months, as it keeps the keg pressurized and avoids oxidation. On the other hand, using a manual, party, or picnic pump introduces oxygen into the keg, which causes the beer to go flat and spoil within 12-24 hours.

Storage Temperature

Regardless of the dispensing method, the temperature at which you store your keg is crucial. The recommended temperature for storing draft beer is 38°F. If the temperature rises above 50°F, bacteria can form, and if it goes above 55°F, bacteria will start to grow and spoil the beer. Beer should not be stored at room temperature.

Keeping the keg too cold is also an issue, as it will cause the beer to retain its carbonation, affecting the flavor and aroma. Beer will freeze at around 28°F, depending on its alcohol content.

How to serve a keg of root beer

Yes, you can buy a keg of root beer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve a keg of root beer:

Step 1: Sourcing a Keg of Root Beer

Call a local liquor store that sells beer kegs and ask if they can order a root beer keg for you. Alternatively, ask a local brewpub that makes beer and soda in-house if they would be willing to sell you one of their root beer kegs.

Step 2: Transporting the Keg

Root beer kegs are heavy and must be returned after use. Breweries do not ship them to individual consumers and only work through distributors, so you will need to collect the keg yourself.

Step 3: Chilling the Keg

Place the keg in a refrigerator or kegerator, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate the keg size. Adjust the temperature to around 33°F (or 34°F if you are experiencing excessive foaming).

Step 4: Carbonating the Root Beer

Carbonation is essential for creating that signature root beer fizz. You will need a CO2 tank, regulator, and gas assembly. Hook up the CO2 tank to the keg and set the regulator to 30 PSI. Purge the air from the keg a couple of times to ensure the headspace is filled with pure CO2. Rock the keg back and forth vigorously for about 10 minutes to help the CO2 dissolve into the liquid.

Step 5: Adjusting the Carbonation and Pressure

After carbonating, reduce the regulator setting to around 10 PSI to prepare for serving. Allow the extra pressure to escape by venting the excess air several times; otherwise, your root beer will be overly foamy.

Step 6: Serving the Root Beer

Connect the keg to a tap or faucet, ensuring all connections are secure. Pour yourself a glass of ice-cold, freshly dispensed root beer, and enjoy!

Note: Always follow safety guidelines when handling CO2 tanks and related equipment.

Frequently asked questions