Where To Buy Beer Kegs In The Uk

Yes, you can buy kegs of beer in the UK. There are several online retailers that sell kegs of beer, including Amazon, Drinks Aisle, Kegs Direct, and Spirit Store. The selection of beer brands and keg sizes varies by retailer, but popular brands like Budweiser, Heineken, and Carling are widely available. In addition to beer, some retailers also offer cocktail and cider kegs. It is important to note that dispense equipment is typically not included with the purchase of a keg, so customers will need to source the necessary coolers, lines, gas, and keg connectors separately.

Keg suppliers in the UK

Yes, you can buy a keg of beer in the UK. There are several suppliers that offer a range of beer kegs for purchase, with some even providing nationwide delivery services. Here is a list of some keg suppliers in the UK:

Kegs Direct

Kegs Direct is a UK-based supplier of beer and beer dispense equipment. They offer a wide range of beer kegs, including Carling, Fosters, Strongbow, Magners, and Erdinger Weissbier, in various sizes such as 30L and 50L. Kegs Direct also provides home bar accessories and line cleaning products. They have multiple locations across the UK, including Alderley Edge Business Centre in Chelford, Phoenix Park Industrial Estate in Heywood, and Lombard Street in Birmingham.

The Keg Company

The Keg Company provides a full 360-degree solution for draught tap installations and keg deliveries. They offer craft beers, fine ales, ciders, cocktails, and wine kegs. The company dispatches kegs directly from the brewery to ensure freshness and maximum shelf life. Trade accounts and pay-as-you-go options are available.

Spirit Store

Spirit Store allows you to buy draught beer kegs online and have them delivered to your home or bar. They offer a wide range of beer, cider, and low-alcohol options. Some of the brands they carry include Beavertown, Birra Moretti, Heineken, and Camden Hells Lager. Spirit Store is located in Sheffield and offers standard delivery within 2-3 days, with free delivery for orders over £78.

Kegmaster

Kegmaster is a UK on-trade drinks wholesaler and distributor of branded kegs, package beers, wine, soft drinks, and bar supplies. They work alongside national brewers such as Coors, Carlsberg, and Heineken, as well as brand owners like Hildon, Decante, and Britvic. Kegmaster offers a collection service and same-day or next-day delivery. They aim to provide independent advice and connect customers with brand owners for direct brand support and deals.

Drinks Aisle

Drinks Aisle is an online retailer that offers beer and cider kegs. They carry brands like Worthingtons Bitter in 11G kegs. Additional shipping charges may apply for deliveries outside their normal routes. It is important to note that Drinks Aisle does not provide dispense equipment, so customers need to ensure they have the necessary coolers, lines, gas, and keg connectors before ordering.

Keg prices

• A 50L keg of Carling costs £127.20, while a 50L keg of Fosters costs £144.16.
• A 50L keg of Strongbow Dark Fruit Cider costs £153, while a 50L keg of Strongbow Cider costs £135
• A 50L keg of Magners Original costs £123.66, while a 30L keg of Erdinger Weissbier costs £130.32.
• A 50L keg of Kopparberg Strawberry & Lime costs £105.19, while a 50L keg of Asahi Super Dry costs £116.88.
• A 6L keg of Budweiser PerfectDraft costs £144.80, while a 6L keg of Tennent's Lager PerfectDraft costs £137.40.
• A 5L cleaning bottle of Micro Matic costs £159.
• A 30L keg of Brewdog Punk IPA costs £160.18, while a 20L keg of Brewdog Wingman IPA costs £150.
• A 30L keg of Beavertown Neck Oil costs £127.20, while a 20L keg of Birra Moretti Brewlock costs £159.
• A 30L keg of Caledonian Best costs £144.16, while a 50L keg of Cold River Cider costs £135.

It is worth noting that some companies offer free delivery for orders over a certain amount, and prices may vary depending on the retailer and the region. Additionally, some companies offer discounts and special offers, so it is worth shopping around to find the best deal.

Beer keg sizes

There are several different sizes of beer kegs available, depending on the purpose and setting. Here is a list of some common beer keg sizes:

Mini Keg

The mini keg is perfect for small gatherings, holding around 14 12-ounce pours. It is easy to find and a popular option for those who want to skip the process of bottling beer. Heineken mini kegs are the most popular and easy-to-find version of this keg style, which contain a CO2 canister to dispense the beer.

Capacity: 1.32 gallons / 5 liters / 169 ounces

Cornelius Keg (or Corny Keg)

The Cornelius Keg, or Corny Keg, was originally developed to store, distribute, and dispense soft drinks like Pepsi or Coke. However, it has become popular with homebrewers due to its five-gallon capacity and easy-to-fill, clean, and maintain design. Most Cornelius Kegs use a ball-lock or pin-lock style connection.

Capacity: 5 gallons / 18 liters / 640 ounces

Sixth Barrel Keg (⅙ Barrel)

The Sixth Barrel Keg, or Sixtel, is very similar in size, shape, and capacity to the Cornelius Keg but slightly bigger. It has a traditional keg valve that requires a keg coupler for dispensing, and is a popular choice for craft brewers and restaurants that want to offer a wide variety of beers.

Capacity: 5.16 gallons / 20 liters / 661 ounces

Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg or Stubby Quarter)

The Quarter Barrel Keg, also known as the Pony Keg or Stubby Quarter, is the standard beer keg often seen at small parties. It is much shorter than a full barrel, but has the same width.

Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 30 liters / 992 ounces

Slim Quarter

The Slim Quarter holds the same amount of beer as the Quarter Barrel Keg, but its taller and slender design resembles the Sixth Barrel Keg. This keg is a popular choice for those with dual-tap kegerators.

Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 30 liters / 992 ounces

Half Barrel Keg (Full Size Keg)

The Half Barrel Keg is the standard size used in the brewing industry and is commonly found in bars and restaurants worldwide. It is also the largest size available and what most people picture when they think of a beer keg.

Capacity: 15.5 gallons / 58.7 liters / 1,984 ounces

50-Liter Keg (Import Keg or European Barrel)

The 50-Liter Keg is the most common keg size in European countries, including the UK. Popular import brands in the US include Heineken, Newcastle, Hoegaarden, and Stella Artois. It is important to note that import kegs use a different coupler than standard US kegs.

Capacity: 13.2 gallons / 50 liters / 1,690 ounces

Beer keg couplers

When buying a keg of beer in the UK, it's important to know about the different types of beer keg couplers, also known as connectors or tap valves. The coupler is a key component of any keg setup as it controls the release of beer from the keg by attaching to the valve and CO2 line.

There are six major types of beer keg couplers: Key, Sankey, Grundy, and Type A, U, and D. Each type is compatible with different beer brands, so it's important to select the right coupler for the specific beer you intend to dispense.

The Type A Keg Coupler, for example, is used for German and English beer brands, including Guinness, Pimms, and Hoegaarden. The Type D Coupler is mostly used for imported American beers like Goose Island and Blue Point. The Type U Coupler works with European-type valves and is commonly used for Stella Artois, Leffe, and Boddingtons. The Type G/Grundy coupler is used for beers like Speckled Hen, Worthington, and Grolsch. The Sankey keg coupler is compatible with kegs that have mainly US/American valves, such as Budweiser, Miller, and Coors.

Some websites offer assistance in determining the correct coupler for a specific beer brand. Micro Matic, for instance, provides a listing of US-distributed kegs and their corresponding valve systems. If you are unsure about the type of coupler you need, it is recommended to contact the retailer or refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Keg delivery

If you're looking to buy a keg of beer in the UK, there are several online retailers that offer delivery services. Here is an overview of keg delivery options:

• Spirit Store: Spirit Store offers a wide range of beer kegs, including popular brands such as Heineken, Carling, and Budweiser. They provide nationwide delivery and have a standard delivery time of 2-3 days, with free delivery for orders over £78.
• Kegs Direct: This supplier offers a variety of beer kegs, cocktail kegs, and prosecco kegs. They also supply beer dispense equipment, line cleaning products, and home bar accessories. Kegs Direct provides UK-wide delivery and has received positive reviews for their reliable service and competitive prices.
• Drinks Aisle: Drinks Aisle offers beer and cider kegs, such as Worthington's Bitter Keg 11G. However, they do not provide dispense equipment, so customers need to ensure they have the necessary coolers, lines, gas, and keg connectors before placing an order. Additional shipping charges may apply for deliveries outside their normal routes.
• Amazon UK: Amazon offers a diverse selection of beer kegs, including well-known brands like Stella Artois, Corona Extra, Budweiser, and Heineken. Amazon provides delivery services, and some products are eligible for free delivery.
• Keg Watch: While Keg Watch does not sell kegs directly, they facilitate the collection and return of empty kegs to the owning company. They also provide information on where to buy or hire kegs for brewing purposes.

When ordering a keg, it is important to consider the additional equipment needed, such as couplers, coolers, and gas canisters. Some suppliers, like Kegs Direct, offer a range of dispense equipment and accessories, making it a one-stop shop for your keg needs.

Frequently asked questions