Jason Wagner
Buying a beer keg can be a great option for parties or personal use. There are various types of kegs available, including full-size and pony kegs, which hold different amounts of beer. When purchasing a beer keg, you will need to pay for the beer and a deposit for the keg itself, which you can get back when you return the empty keg. You may also need to buy or rent a tap to dispense the beer. Some stores that sell beer kegs include Total Wine & More, Spec's, and MIRELES PARTY KEGS, as well as local liquor stores and grocery stores. It is recommended to order the keg in advance and consider additional equipment and refrigeration options to ensure your beer stays cold during your event.
What You'll Learn
Keg Sizes: From 1/4 to full-size kegs
When it comes to keg sizes, there are several options to choose from, ranging from the small and portable mini-keg to the full-size half barrel. Here's a detailed breakdown of the different keg sizes available:
1/4 Keg: Also known as a pony keg, stubby keg, or slim quarter, the 1/4 keg holds 7.75 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to approximately 82-83 12-ounce cans or bottles. It is perfect for small parties and get-togethers. The standard quarter keg is short and wide, while the slim quarter is taller and thinner, making it a popular choice for dual-tap kegerators.
1/6 Keg: The 1/6 keg, also known as a sixtel, torpedo, or log keg, is a smaller option that holds 5.16 gallons of beer, or about 55 12-ounce cans or bottles. This size is popular among craft brewers for their small-batch experiments and is also favoured by restaurants and bars that want to offer a wide variety of beer without taking up too much space.
Cornelius Keg: Commonly known as a "Corny Keg", the Cornelius keg has a capacity of 5 gallons and is often used by homebrewers as an alternative to bottling their beer. It was originally developed by the soft drink industry for storing, distributing, and dispensing soda. Corny Kegs are easy to fill, clean, and maintain, making them a popular choice for those who want to enjoy their homebrew on draft.
Mini-Keg: The smallest option available, mini-kegs hold approximately 1.32 gallons of beer, or about 14 12-ounce cans or bottles. They are perfect for one-time use and portable applications, such as watching the game with friends or a small dinner party. However, they may be difficult to find for specific beer brands.
Full-Size Keg: The granddaddy of them all, the full-size keg, also known as the half barrel, is the largest and most common option. It holds 15.5 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to about 165 12-ounce cans or bottles. This is the standard keg size used in bars, restaurants, and large events, and it will fit any commercial kegerator. It is also the keg that most people picture when they think of a beer keg.
In addition to these standard sizes, there are also variations such as the tall quarter, which has the same capacity as the 1/4 keg but with a taller and slimmer design, and the import keg or European barrel, which holds 50 litres and is commonly used by European breweries.
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Keg Types: Sankey, Cornelius, mini, etc
When it comes to keg types, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here is an overview of some of the most common keg types:
Sankey Kegs
Sankey kegs are a popular choice among commercial brewers. They feature a single port at the top for both dispensing beer and allowing gas into the keg. Sankey kegs use a Sankey coupler, which twists onto the centre top of the keg. This design allows for the inflow of gas and the outflow of beer through the same mechanism. Sankey couplers come in different types, including the D coupler for North American kegs, the S coupler for most European kegs, and the G and U couplers for specific European kegs.
Cornelius Kegs
Cornelius kegs, also known as "corny kegs", are ideal for home brewers as they offer a large removable lid that facilitates easy cleaning, filling, and refilling. Cornelius kegs come in two types: Pin Lock and Ball Lock. Pin Lock corny kegs were originally manufactured for Coca-Cola, while Ball Lock corny kegs were designed for Pepsi Co. Both types function similarly but differ in dimensions and the style of posts on top. Cornelius kegs typically hold 5 gallons or 53 12-ounce beers.
Mini Kegs
Mini kegs, also called "bubba kegs", are smaller in size and hold approximately 1.32 gallons or 14 12-ounce beers. They are perfect for those who want a compact and portable option for their beverages.
Other Keg Types
In addition to the main types mentioned above, there are also quarter barrel kegs (also known as pony, stubby, or slim quarter kegs), sixth barrel kegs (or "sixteen"), and half barrel kegs (full-size kegs). These kegs vary in capacity, with the quarter barrel holding 7.75 gallons, the sixth barrel holding 5.2 gallons, and the half barrel accommodating 15.5 gallons of beer.
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Couplers: D, S, G, U, A, M
Couplers are an essential component of a keg system, enabling the flow of beer from the keg to your glass. There are several different types of couplers, each designed to fit specific kegs. The most common couplers are the D, S, G, U, A, and M types, which are distinguished by a letter naming system. Despite their similar appearances, these couplers are not interchangeable, so it's important to select the correct one for your keg.
The D coupler is designed for North American kegs and is a popular choice for those in the region. For European kegs, the S and G couplers are more suitable, with the S coupler being the most common for European beers. The U coupler is also designed for European kegs, but it is less commonly used. If you're a fan of German beers, the A and M couplers are what you'll need, with the A coupler being the more common option for German brews.
It's important to note that the compatibility of couplers with kegs is not limited to geographical regions. While the D coupler is commonly used for North American kegs, it may also be compatible with some European kegs. Similarly, the S coupler, predominantly used for European kegs, may also fit some North American ones. To ensure you get the right coupler for your keg, it's always best to consult with a knowledgeable sales associate or a beer specialist. They can guide you in selecting the correct coupler and provide advice on any additional equipment you may need for your keg system.
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Beer Styles: Lager, IPA, Stout, Ale, etc
There are two main types of beer: lagers and ales. Ales are typically "warm fermented", using yeast that ferments at higher temperatures, while lagers are "cold fermented", using different yeast that ferments at lower temperatures.
Lager
Lager is a newer style of beer that ferments for a long time at low temperatures, using bottom-fermenting yeasts that sink to the bottom of the fermenting tank. They tend to be light and a little malty, with a crisp, clean taste. Classic American lagers include Miller High Life, Coors, Budweiser, and Yuengling.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
IPAs are brewed with lots of hops, resulting in a bitter, very fruity or floral flavour, and they tend to have a high alcohol content. The alcohol and hops were used to preserve the beer during long sea voyages from Europe to India, hence the name. Some popular IPA styles include West Coast IPA, British IPA, and New England Style IPA.
Stout
Stouts are typically dark beers (made with heavily roasted malts) with a high alcohol content. They are called stouts because they are strong and tend to have a bitter coffee or dark chocolate taste. Ireland's Guinness is one of the world's most well-known stouts.
Pilsner
Pilsner is a subspecies of lager with a heavier hop flavour. They are not quite as hoppy as an IPA and are made in a lager style. Pilsners are among the hoppiest lagers and generally have a dry, slightly bitter flavour. Their light golden colour, clear body, and crisp finish make them a popular summer beer.
Wheat Beer
Wheat beers rely on wheat for the malt ingredient, giving them a light colour and alcohol level. They tend to have tangy, funky, or citrusy flavours, with the hefeweizen or unfiltered wheat beer being one of the more common styles.
Sour Beer
Sour beers have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are crafted from wild yeasts, similar to sourdough bread, and are known for their tart tang that pairs well with tropical fruit and spices. Some common styles of sour beer include Belgian-style Lambic beer, fruity Flanders ale, and lemony Berliner Weisse beer.
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Where to Buy: Local stores, online, distributors
When it comes to buying a beer keg, there are several options available to you, including local stores, online retailers, and distributors.
Local Stores
Depending on your location, you may be able to find beer kegs at local stores such as large liquor stores, grocery stores, or even convenience stores like Walgreens or CVS, especially if you're in a college town. Some big-box retailers like Wal-Mart may also offer kegs. These stores typically carry a variety of beer options, and you can either purchase the keg directly or place an order in advance.
Online
There are online retailers, such as Total Wine & More, that offer a wide selection of beer kegs for purchase. They provide an extensive range of popular domestic lager, craft beer, ale, and imported beer options. Total Wine & More also offers special orders for kegs that are not regularly stocked.
Distributors
Beverage distribution companies are another option for purchasing beer kegs. You can visit their local headquarters or distribution centres, where they often have a small store or desk for direct purchases. Distributors may also offer discounted beer due to factors like dented cans or incomplete packs. Additionally, they can provide guidance on the necessary equipment and rentals, ensuring you have everything you need for your keg.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy a beer keg from a local store that sells kegs, such as a large liquor store, a grocery store, or a convenience store. You can also try a beverage distribution company, which may have a small store at its headquarters. Some companies allow you to place an order online.
The cost of a beer keg depends on the size and brand of beer. For example, a half keg of Dos Equis Amber costs around $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit is $220 plus deposit. The keg deposit is usually small, about $15.
The size of the beer keg depends on the number of people at your party and how much beer you want to serve. A sixth barrel is usually enough for most parties, while a whole keg is often too much. A half barrel (full-size keg) holds 15.5 gallons or 165 12-ounce beers, while a sixth barrel holds 5.2 gallons or 55 12-ounce beers.
You will need to buy or rent a tap or coupler for your beer keg. You may also need additional equipment, such as a kegerator or ice to keep the beer cold. Some stores provide tubs, ice, cups, and other accessories with the keg.
