Purchasing Beer By The Barrel: A Guide

If you're planning a party, a barrel of beer is a great way to keep your guests happy. Before buying a keg, you'll need to decide on the size. A mini keg is good for a small gathering, while a full-sized keg holds about 165 servings. You can buy a barrel of beer from a liquor store, brewery, or even some restaurants. It's a good idea to call ahead to place your order and make sure you take ID when you go to pick it up. You'll also need to rent a tap and a bucket for chilling the beer.

Where to buy a barrel of beer

If you're looking to buy a barrel of beer, there are several options available to you, both in-store and online.

In-store

In-store, you can purchase beer barrels from specialist drinks shops, such as Total Wine & More, Keg N Bottle, and Drinks Aisle. These stores offer a range of beer kegs in different sizes and from various brands. You can also find beer barrels in some convenience stores and gas stations, such as Hazard Center Auto Mart in San Diego, which offers a range of craft beers.

Online

Online, you can purchase beer barrels from websites such as Beer Barrels 2 U, Love Beer, and Total Wine & More. These websites offer a range of beer, ale, and cider kegs in different sizes, with some even offering free delivery. When ordering online, it's important to check if your postcode is covered by the website's delivery service. Additionally, some websites may charge additional shipping fees for kegs, so it's worth contacting them before placing your order.

Considerations

When purchasing a beer barrel, it's important to ensure you have the necessary equipment for dispensing the beer, such as coolers, lines, gas, and keg connectors. Some websites, such as Drinks Aisle, do not provide this equipment, so it's essential to check before ordering.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the cost of a beer keg can vary depending on the brand and size. A half keg, for example, typically ranges from $79 to $220, plus a small deposit of around $15.

How much beer you need

The amount of beer you need depends on the type of event you are hosting. A good rule of thumb is to estimate that party guests will have 1-2 drinks per hour.

If you're bringing beer to a tailgate party or a camping trip, a mini keg holding about 5 litres should be plenty.

For larger events, you can choose from a range of keg sizes:

• Log keg (sixth barrel): Holds about 5 gallons, or 55 12-ounce servings (41 pints).
• Pony keg (quarter barrel): Holds about 7.5 gallons, or 82 12-ounce servings (62 pints).
• Full keg (half barrel): Holds about 15 gallons, or 165 12-ounce servings (124 pints). This is the most common keg size.

If you're looking for a keg to dispense at home, you can also find 30-litre or 50-litre kegs, which hold 53 pints and 88 pints, respectively.

The cost of a barrel of beer

When purchasing a barrel of beer, there may be additional costs to consider, such as a deposit for the keg, which can range from $30 to $75, and the cost of a party pump, which can be an additional $50 to $100 deposit and a $10 rental fee. It is worth noting that the deposit for the keg and party pump is usually refundable upon returning the equipment.

The price of a barrel of beer can also depend on the retailer and the market. Some retailers may offer discounts or specials that can affect the overall cost. Additionally, the location and availability of the beer brand can impact the price, with certain brands being more expensive in certain regions.

It is always a good idea to compare prices from different retailers and consider the additional costs associated with renting or purchasing the necessary equipment, such as taps and pumps, to dispense and serve the beer. By taking these factors into account, individuals can make an informed decision when purchasing a barrel of beer.

The different types of kegs

When buying a barrel of beer, it's important to understand the different types of kegs available. The most suitable keg for you will depend on various factors, such as the amount of beer you require, the space available for storage and serving, and the type of beer you want to serve. Here is an overview of the different types of kegs:

Home Brew Kegs

Home brew kegs are perfect for enthusiasts and small-scale brewers who want to brew and serve beer at home. They are typically smaller in size and come in various capacities, making them ideal for experimenting with different beer recipes.

Sixth Barrel Keg (Sixtel)

The sixth barrel keg, also known as a sixtel, is a popular choice for smaller bars, restaurants, and events. It holds approximately 5.16 gallons (or 30 litres) of beer, making it convenient for establishments with limited storage space.

Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg)

The quarter barrel keg, also called a pony keg or stubby quarter, holds around 7.75 gallons (30 litres) of beer. This keg is commonly used in home kegerators and smaller commercial settings where a full-size keg is too large.

Slim Quarter Keg

The slim quarter keg has the same capacity as the regular quarter barrel keg but with a slimmer profile. It is narrower in width, making it suitable for establishments with space constraints or for serving limited quantities of beer.

Half Barrel Keg (Full-Size Keg)

The half barrel keg, also known as a full-size keg, holds approximately 15.5 gallons (50 litres) of beer. This is the standard keg size for large parties and gatherings, as well as busy bars, restaurants, and big events where a significant amount of beer needs to be served.

Mini Keg

The mini keg is a smaller option, holding about 10 pints of beer. It is a good choice for a small gathering or a single person to consume.

Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)

The Cornelius keg, or Corny keg, is four times the size of a mini keg and holds approximately 40 pints. It's a great option for a backyard barbecue or a small group of friends. Corny kegs were originally used for soda fountains and have now become popular among homebrewers.

Cask Firkins, Pins, and Kilderkins

Cask firkins, pins, and kilderkins are types of kegs used for cask-conditioned beer. They come in various sizes, approximately 5.5, 11, and 22 gallons, respectively.

It's important to note that keg couplers also play a crucial role in serving beer. Different types of couplers are designed to fit specific kegs and facilitate the smooth flow of beer. The most common coupler types include the D-type, U-type, G-type, S-type, A-type, and M-type, each designed for different beer styles and origins.

How to store a barrel of beer

Storing a barrel of beer requires a few considerations to ensure the beer stays in the best condition possible. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store a barrel of beer:

Location and Temperature

Keep the barrel in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or cellar, with a constant temperature. Beer benefits from cool temperatures, ideally between 50-55°F (10-12°C) for most beers. Higher temperatures will shorten the lifespan of the beer, and lower temperatures may cause chill haze, making the beer cloudy. Avoid storing beer near sources of heat or in direct light, as this can cause the beer to become "skunky" or "light struck," affecting its flavour and quality.

Orientation

Store the barrel upright rather than on its side. Storing beer upright helps to slow oxidation by reducing the surface area of beer exposed to oxygen. It also prevents the formation of a yeast ring or watermark inside the barrel and minimises the impact on flavour.

Barrel Type

Use a wooden barrel, preferably one that has been previously used for ageing spirits (such as whiskey, bourbon, or rum) or wine. This will impart a unique character, flavour, and aroma profile to your beer. If using a new barrel, consider sanitising it first to remove any potential microbes.

Timing

Allow the beer to age in the barrel for an extended period, typically 6-9 months or longer. The ageing process will add complexity and enhance the flavour of the beer. However, be mindful that prolonged ageing may lead to oxidation and the development of off-flavours, so regular tasting and monitoring are essential.

Additional Tips

• Avoid exposing the beer to temperature fluctuations or heat sources.
• Maintain the recommended temperature range for the specific type of beer you are ageing.
• If using a corked barrel, ensure the storage environment has moderate humidity to prevent the cork from drying out.
• Regularly sanitise and clean the barrel to prevent microbial contamination.
• Consider using wood chips or cubes soaked in spirits to enhance the flavour and mimic the barrel-ageing process on a smaller scale.

Frequently asked questions