Buying Beer Kegs: Early Morning Restrictions And Rules

Buying a keg of beer is a great way to serve guests at a large party or event. The process is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to plan in advance and place your order early, especially if you want to buy from a specific brewery. Secondly, you must be of legal drinking age and have a valid form of identification to purchase a keg. This is usually a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and you may need to provide this both when ordering and picking up the keg.

In terms of the specific timing of your purchase, the opening hours of stores selling kegs may vary, and it is always a good idea to check their operating hours in advance. Additionally, some states have laws regulating the sale of alcohol, so it is worth checking the relevant regulations for your area. While we did not find specific information about buying a keg before 10 am, the general advice is to plan ahead when purchasing a keg, and many sources recommend ordering at least a week in advance.

Keg couplers and their types

Keg couplers are an essential component of any beer dispensing system. They are the link between the keg valve and the beer line, allowing the beer to flow from the keg to the tap. There are several types of keg couplers available, each designed to fit a specific type of keg valve.

The most common type of keg valve is the D Sankey keg valve, which is used by most American breweries. The Sankey keg valve has two different types of couplers, the D-Type, and the S-Type.

The D-Type coupler is the most common coupler used in the United States. It is used for most domestic beers, including Budweiser, Coors, and Miller. The S-Type coupler, on the other hand, is used for European Sankey kegs, such as Heineken and Stella Artois.

Other types of keg couplers include the A-Type, which is used for most German kegs, and the G-Type and U-Type, which are used for some European kegs. It is crucial to use the correct coupler for the keg valve to ensure proper beer flow and carbonation.

• D-Type Keg Coupler: Also known as the American Sankey coupler, it is the most common type in North America. It fits U.S. Sankey keg valves and is used for beers such as Molson, Corona, Coors, Budweiser, Miller, and Yuengling.
• U-Type Keg Coupler: Also known as the Irish or Guinness keg coupler, it is mostly used for beers originating from Ireland, including Guinness, Harp Lager, Smithwick's, and Magners Cider.
• G-Type Keg Coupler: Known for its unusual triangle shape, it is used by some British, Dutch, and even a few American breweries, including Anchor. Popular brands that use this type include Boddington’s Pub Ale, Fuller’s, Grolsch, and Watney’s.
• S-Type Keg Coupler: Often referred to as the European Sankey coupler, it is used for popular European brews like Amstel, Pilsner Urquell, and Newcastle. It has a longer probe than the D-Type coupler and is designed to fit a keg valve with a longer, narrower stem.
• A-Type Keg Coupler: Used on almost all German beers and about half of the Belgian beers. Common brands that use this type include Ayinger, Bitburger Pilsner, Franziskaner, Hoegaarden, Krombacher, Löwenbräu, and Warsteiner.
• M-Type Keg Coupler: This type is somewhat less common but is used on a few German beers like Schneider Weisse.

When selecting a keg coupler, it is important to consider the type of beer being served, the type of keg valve, and the type of kegerator being used. Using the wrong type of coupler can result in a poor pour, foam, or even damage to the keg or coupler.

Keg rental and return

When picking up your keg, bring a friend to help with lifting as kegs can be very heavy. You will also need to transport the keg in a vehicle that can accommodate its size. It is important to keep the keg chilled at all times, using a chilling bucket, kegerator, or ice. However, do not allow the beer to freeze as this can affect the quality and be dangerous due to the pressurised contents.

When returning the keg, ensure that it is empty and that the tap has been removed. Return all rented items, including the tap and any other accessories, to receive your deposit refund.

Keg freshness and shelf life

The freshness and shelf life of a keg of beer depend on several factors, including the type of beer, the method of dispensing, and storage conditions.

Type of Beer

The type of beer in the keg influences its shelf life. Pasteurized beers tend to have a longer shelf life, lasting about 90 to 120 days, while unpasteurized draft beers have a shorter shelf life of around 45 to 60 days. The specific type of beer also matters; for example, hop-forward beers like IPAs may lose their flavor faster than maltier brews.

Dispensing Method

The method used to dispense beer from the keg also affects its freshness. Using a kegerator or a CO2-based system helps maintain the beer's freshness for weeks, as it keeps the internal pressure stable and prevents early spoilage. In contrast, using a party pump or a manual pump introduces oxygen into the keg, accelerating the staling process, and the beer must be consumed within 18 to 24 hours.

Storage Conditions

Proper storage conditions are crucial for maintaining the freshness and quality of the beer. The recommended temperature for storing draft beer is between 36°F to 38°F (or around 2°C to 3.5°C). Storing beer at too warm a temperature can lead to rapid spoilage, while storing it too cold may affect carbonation and flavor. Additionally, exposure to light can cause skunkiness, and bacteria can form if the temperature rises above 50°F (10°C).

Keg taps and dispensers

To tap a keg, you'll need a pump or a CO2 dispenser. A pump is the more affordable option, but a CO2 dispenser is a good investment if you plan on buying kegs regularly.

Keg pumps are also known as picnic or party pumps. They require beer drinkers to manually pump air into the tank to force the beer out through a tube with a valve attached to the other end. You can usually rent or buy these from the store where you're buying your keg, but not always, so be sure to ask when ordering.

CO2 dispensers are more expensive than party pumps, but they can be a good investment if you plan on buying kegs regularly. These devices come with CO2 tanks that force carbon dioxide into the keg—this is how bars serve beer on tap. The dispenser connects to a tube with a valve at the end, much like a traditional party pump.

The type of keg coupler you use will depend on the type of beer you're dispensing. Most American and Canadian domestic brews run on a D-system. For other beers, there are European S-system pumps, A-system pumps, and G-system pumps.

If you're buying a CO2 dispenser, you'll also need to rent a keg bucket or kegerator to keep your keg cool. You could also use a trash can filled with ice, but make sure to get ice around the whole keg.

If you're using a pump, you won't need to keep the keg chilled, but you should still keep it cool to prevent the beer from going bad.

Keg storage and temperature

Keg storage temperature is crucial to the taste of beer. A few degrees north or south of the proper temperature and the contents of a keg will be irreversibly ruined. The recommended storage temperature for most beers is 38°F (3°C). However, this can vary depending on the style of beer.

If the temperature rises above 50-55°F (12.8°C), bacteria will start to form, spoiling the flavour and clouding the beer. If the temperature is any lower than 28°F (-2°C), the beer will likely freeze, which will ruin its taste.

If you are unable to maintain the proper temperature for your keg, you can use a keg blanket or a bucket of ice to keep the beer cool.

Frequently asked questions