Keg Buying Guide: Where And How To Purchase

If you're planning a party, a keg of beer is a great way to keep your guests happy and out of the kitchen. The first step is to figure out how much beer you'll need. A standard keg holds 15.5 gallons or 165 12-ounce beers, but they come in various sizes, from 1.32 gallons to 15.5 gallons. The next step is to find a store near your party that sells the type of beer you want. You'll need to place your order in advance, and make sure you have the correct permit for serving alcohol. When you pick up the keg, bring ID and be prepared to sign paperwork accepting responsibility for it. You'll also need to pay a deposit and the cost of the beer.

Keg sizes and how much beer you need

When buying a keg, it's important to consider how much beer you need, as this will determine the keg size you should go for.

Mini Keg

A mini keg holds about 5 litres of beer, which is a good amount for a tailgate party or a camping trip.

Cornelius Keg

The Cornelius keg is a tall, round keg that is commonly used for soft drinks, but it's also popular among home brewers. It holds 5 gallons of beer, which is about 53 12-ounce servings or 40 pints.

Log Keg (Sixth Barrel)

A log keg holds about 5.16 gallons of beer, which equals about 55 12-ounce servings or 41-42 pints.

Pony Keg (Quarter Barrel)

A pony keg holds about 7.75 gallons of beer, which is approximately 82 12-ounce servings or 62 pints.

Full Keg (Half Barrel)

A full keg holds about 15.5 gallons of beer, which is the equivalent of about 165 12-ounce servings or 124 pints. This is the most common keg size.

European Barrel (50 Litre Keg)

A European barrel, also known as an import keg, holds about 13.2 gallons of beer, which is approximately 140 12-ounce servings or 105 pints.

Mini Keg

A mini keg holds about 1.32 gallons of beer, which is roughly 14 12-ounce servings or 10 pints.

When buying a keg, it's also important to consider the type of event you're hosting, how long it will last, and how many drinks per hour your guests are likely to have.

Where to buy a keg

There are many places that sell kegs of beer, such as liquor stores, breweries, and even some restaurants. When deciding where to buy a keg, it is important to consider the type of beer you want, the size of the keg, and the location of the store.

If you are looking for a specific type of beer, it is best to call ahead to ensure that the store carries it. Some popular places to buy kegs include Total Wine & More, which offers a wide variety of domestic, craft, and imported beers, and Spec's, which carries both full-size and pony kegs. You can also try local breweries, which often sell kegs of their beer.

When buying a keg, it is important to plan ahead. Most places require orders to be placed in advance, and you may need to pay a deposit for the keg. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of age when picking up the keg, as only individuals who are 21 or older can purchase alcohol in the United States.

In addition to the cost of the beer, there may be additional fees for renting a tap, bucket, or kegerator. These fees can include a refundable deposit and a non-refundable cleaning fee.

When returning the keg, be sure to do so by the deadline and bring back all rented items, such as taps and buckets, to receive any refundable fees.

How to order a keg

Ordering a keg of beer is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get exactly what you need. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to order a keg:

• Figure out how much beer you need: The amount of beer you require depends on the size of your event and the number of guests. As a rule of thumb, estimate that your guests will consume 1-2 drinks per hour. There are various keg sizes available, including mini kegs, Cornelius kegs, log kegs (sixth barrel), pony kegs (quarter barrel), and full kegs (half barrel).
• Find a store near you: Look for liquor stores, breweries, or wineries that sell kegs and are located close to your event venue. This will make transportation more convenient.
• Place your order in advance: It is recommended to plan at least 10 days ahead and place your order accordingly. This ensures that your preferred beer is available and gives you time to make any necessary arrangements.
• Get the proper permit: If you are serving beer at a special event, such as a wedding or fundraiser, you may need to obtain a permit from your state's liquor control board. For private parties, apply for a banquet permit, and for nonprofit organizations, a special occasion permit is required.
• Provide necessary information: When placing your order, be prepared to provide details such as the address where the keg will be delivered, the approximate date and time of consumption, and the vehicle's license plate if you are picking it up yourself.
• Pay the required fees: In addition to the cost of the beer, there will be a refundable deposit fee for the keg and possibly a non-refundable cleaning fee. The cost of the beer will vary depending on the type, quantity, and your location.
• Ask for instructions: If you are unfamiliar with kegs, don't hesitate to ask the store staff for instructions on how to use the keg, attach the tap, and ensure the best quality of beer.
• Be prepared for transportation: Kegs can be heavy, so if you are picking it up yourself, consider bringing a dolly and having someone assist you in lifting it.
• Rent any necessary accessories: You may also need to rent additional accessories like a tap, a bucket for chilling the keg, or a kegerator, which is a refrigerator designed for kegs. These accessories may require refundable and non-refundable rental fees.

Keg rental accessories

When renting a keg, you will also need to rent accessories to be able to serve the beer. Here are some of the accessories you will need:

Tap

A tap is attached to the keg to dispense the beer. Most places charge a refundable rental fee (around $50) and a non-refundable cleaning fee (around $10-$15).

Chilling Bucket

A chilling bucket is used to keep the keg cold. These are large garbage can-sized buckets that the keg goes into, along with ice. Some places offer these for rental, but you can also get free use of a keg tub when purchasing ice from certain suppliers.

Kegerator

A kegerator is a refrigerator designed to hold a keg and allow for easy beer dispensing. They can be rented by the day, week, or month, or even on a rent-to-own plan. They are a good option if you are hosting a special event or plan to have kegs regularly.

Jockey Box

A jockey box is a mini cooler with tubing that beer flows through to a tap. You can hook up your keg to the jockey box, along with a carbon dioxide unit, to produce instantly cold beer on tap. Jockey boxes can be rented with 1, 2, or 4 taps. They are perfect for picnics, BBQs, and tailgate parties, as they do not require electricity.

Returning the keg

Firstly, make sure the keg is empty. You will not get a refund for any beer left inside the keg, so if there is any beer left, decant it into some clean jugs and keep it in the fridge for a few days.

Secondly, remove the tap from the keg before transporting it. This is important, as the keg could be considered an open container, which is illegal to have in a moving vehicle in the U.S.

Thirdly, ensure that the person returning the keg is the same person who rented it. This is because the person returning the keg will receive the refundable deposit.

Return the keg by the deadline, which is usually around 5 days to 2 weeks. Return all rented items, such as the tap and chilling bucket, at the same time, to receive any refundable fees.

Finally, make sure the sticker or other identifier is still on the keg, so the store can identify it as theirs.

Frequently asked questions