Keg Buying Guide: East Lansing Beer Options

If you're looking to buy a keg of beer in East Lansing, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can explore local businesses that offer beer keg rentals or sales, such as Jonna's 2 Go, Stadium Wine & Spirits, or Big Ten Party Stores. These stores provide a variety of beer options and may offer convenient rental services. Alternatively, you can opt for online retailers like Total Wine & More, which offer a wide range of beer kegs, couplers, and accessories. They can guide you in selecting the correct coupler and provide helpful information about keg care and usage. Additionally, some online stores, such as NYC Kegs, specialize in keg delivery and offer a diverse selection of beers, wines, and cold brew options. They also provide kegerator installation services and free pickup of empty kegs.

Where to buy a keg of beer in East Lansing

If you're looking to buy a keg of beer in East Lansing, there are several options available to you. Here are some places you can consider:

Jonna's 2 Go

Located at 210 Michigan Ave, Jonna's 2 Go is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the community for over 30 years. They offer a wide selection of craft beers, fine wines, and snack options. The staff at Jonna's 2 Go are friendly and knowledgeable, and they prioritise customer satisfaction. You can reach them at 517-203-5963 to inquire about their keg options.

Quality Dairy Company

With two locations in East Lansing, the Quality Dairy Company offers a great selection of beer, wine, and liquor. One of their stores can be found at 3332 E Lake Lansing Rd, while the other is located at 3325 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Both stores are wheelchair accessible, and the latter has Wi-Fi.

On the Rocks Wine & Spirits

On the Rocks Wine & Spirits boasts one of the best selections of liquor, beer, and wine in the area. You can find them at 3050 E Lake Lansing Rd. They are also wheelchair accessible and offer convenient store options.

Stadium Wine & Spirits

Stadium Wine & Spirits is another excellent choice for purchasing a keg of beer in East Lansing. In addition to beer, they also offer a range of wines and liquors. Stadium Wine & Spirits is located in East Lansing, but the exact address is not readily available.

Lansing Brewing Company

Although not specifically in East Lansing, the Lansing Brewing Company, located at 518 E. Shiawassee Street in Lansing, is worth considering. They offer a unique selection of handcrafted beers and locally made spirits. The venue also features live music and a beautiful patio where you can enjoy your drinks.

Remember to call ahead to ensure that the store has kegs available and to inquire about any specific brands or types of beer you are interested in.

Beer keg prices

The price of a keg of beer depends on the brand and the size of the keg. For example, a half-barrel of Bud Light can cost anywhere from $79 to $139, while a half-barrel of Stieglitz Grapefruit costs $220. A half-barrel typically holds 165 12-ounce beers, whereas a quarter-barrel holds 83 12-ounce beers, and a mini-keg holds 14 12-ounce beers.

In East Lansing, Michigan, Jonna's 2 Go offers a range of craft beers and fine wines. Although the website does not specify keg prices, it is worth contacting them directly to enquire about their offerings.

• PABST Blue Ribbon 1/2 barrel: $129.99
• Miller High Life 1/2 barrel: $119.99
• Miller/Coors Family 1/2 barrel: $124.99
• Heineken 50L barrel: $199.99
• Dos Equis 1/2 barrel: $199.99
• Busch Light 1/2 barrel: $119.99
• Budweiser 1/2 barrel: $139.99
• Bud Light 1/2 barrel: $139.99
• Bud Light 1/4 barrel: $79.99
• Michelob Amber Bock 1/2 barrel: $159.99
• Michelob Amber Bock 1/4 barrel: $69.99
• Michelob Ultra 1/2 barrel: $139.99
• Michelob Ultra 1/6 barrel: $79.99
• Rolling Rock 1/2 barrel: $129.99
• Stella Artois 13.2 gallons: $219.99
• Stella Artois 1/6 barrel: $109.99
• Angry Orchard Hard Cider: $229.99
• Twisted Tea 1/2 barrel: $229.99
• Twisted Tea 1/6 barrel: $99.99
• Franziskaner Hefe Weisse 13.2 gallons: $229.99
• Spaten Lager 13.2 gallons: $229.99
• Kirin Ichiban 1/2 barrel: $209.99
• Guinness Draught 20L keg: $119.99
• Guinness Draught 13.2 gallons: $229.99
• Harp Lager 50L keg: $229.99
• Smithwicks Ale 13.2 gallons: $229.99
• Duvel 20L keg: $209.99
• Labatt Blue or Light 1/2 barrel: $139.99
• Zywiec: Contact for pricing
• Bitburger Pils 50L keg: $249.99
• Erdinger Weiss 50L keg: $249.99
• Delirium Deliria 1/6 barrel: $299.99
• Delirium Tremens 1/6 barrel: $259.99
• Hirter Pils or Morchl 50L keg: $269.99
• Stiegl Grapefruit Radler, Goldbrau or Helles 50L: $229.99
• Chimay Grand Reserve 20L keg: $299.99
• Krombacher Dark 30L keg: $149.99
• Killians Irish Red 1/2 barrel: $199.99
• 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon 1/6 barrel: $119.99
• 3 Floyds Gumball Head 1/6 barrel: $139.99
• 3 Floyds Zombie Dust 1/6 barrel: $149.99
• Allagash White 1/6 barrel: $129.99
• Cigar City Jai Alai 1/6 barrel: $119.99
• Dovetail Hefeweizen, Kolsch, Vienna or Helles 1/6 barrel: $129.99
• Half Acre Daisy Cutter, Bodem, Vallejo or Pony Pilsner 1/6 barrel: $129.99
• Lagunitas Lil Sumpin 1/4 barrel: $169.99
• Lagunitas IPA 1/4 barrel: $159.99
• Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout 1/6 barrel: $139.99
• Miskatonic West Coast Wizard 1/6 barrel: $129.99
• New Belgium Fat Tire 1/6 barrel: $99.99
• Off Color Apex Predator 1/6 barrel: $139.99
• Revolution Brewing (Anti Hero IPA, Fist City, Pils) 1/6 barrel: $119.99
• Revolution Brewing (Anti Hero IPA, Fist City, Pils) 1/2 barrel: $229.99
• Solemn Oath Lu Kolsch 1/6 barrel: $129.99
• Solemn Oath Small Wave or Snaggle Tooth 1/6 barrel: $149.99
• Victory Golden Monkey 1/6 barrel: $129.99
• Elysian Space Dust IPA 1/6 barrel: $119.99
• Goose Island Green Line 1/6 barrel: $99.99
• Goose Island Hazy Beer Hugs 1/6: $99.99
• Goose Island IPA 1/6 barrel: $99.99

Beer keg sizes

When it comes to beer, keg sizes matter. Whether you're a beer enthusiast planning a party or a bar owner looking to maximise space, choosing the right keg size can make all the difference. In the United States, beer keg sizes are standardised, with the most common size being the full-size or half-barrel keg, which holds 15.5 gallons of beer, or approximately 124 pints. This is the go-to option for bars and restaurants and is also a popular choice for large events.

However, there are several other keg sizes to consider. If you're looking for something more compact, the quarter-barrel keg, also known as the "pony keg," is a great option. It holds 7.75 gallons of beer, which is roughly 62 pints, making it perfect for smaller venues or events where a wider variety of beers are offered. For craft beer lovers, the sixth-barrel keg, or "sixtel," is a fantastic choice. With a capacity of 5.16 gallons, it allows you to enjoy specialty and craft beers without worrying about the beer going stale.

For at-home use, the Cornelius keg, affectionately called the "Corny keg," is a favourite among homebrewers. With a capacity of 5 gallons, it's easy to fill, clean, and maintain. Another option for home gatherings is the mini keg, which holds 5 litres of beer, making it perfect for a small group of friends.

When choosing a keg size, it's important to consider factors such as the type of beer, the number of servings needed, and the available storage space. By selecting the right keg size, you can ensure that your beer stays fresh and you have enough to satisfy your guests or customers.

Beer keg couplers

If you're looking to buy a keg of beer in East Lansing, you'll need to know about keg couplers. These are an essential component of your kegerator, acting as the "key" to the keg's valve or "lock". Without the correct coupler, your beer won't be dispensed.

There are six different types of keg couplers, each used for different styles of beer. The type of coupler you need will depend on the brand and style of beer, as well as where it was brewed and the size of the keg. Here's a rundown of the different types of commercial keg couplers:

• D-Type Coupler: Also known as the American Sankey coupler, this is the most common type in North America. It fits all domestic brand kegs and 95% of American beers, including Molson, Coors, Budweiser, and Miller.
• U-Type Coupler: Also known as the Irish or Guinness keg coupler, this type is mostly used for beers originating from Ireland, such as Guinness, Harp Lager, and Smithwick's.
• G-Type Coupler: Known for its unusual triangle shape, the G-type coupler 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, and Grolsch.
• S-Type Coupler: Often referred to as the European Sankey coupler, the S-type coupler is used for popular European brews like Amstel, Pilsner Urquell, and Newcastle.
• A-Type Coupler: This coupler is used on almost all German beers and about half of Belgian beers. Common brands that use this type include Ayinger, Franziskaner, Hoegaarden, Krombacher, and Paulaner.
• M-Type Coupler: This type is less common and is used on a few German beers like Schneider Weisse.

When choosing a keg coupler, it's important to know the brand/style of beer, its origin, and the size of the keg. If you're unsure, you can always ask the vendor or your local distributor for advice.

Beer keg maintenance

Keg maintenance is an important but often overlooked aspect of beverage production and distribution. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for ensuring safety, maintaining beer quality, and extending the lifespan of your kegs. Here are some detailed instructions to help you keep your beer kegs in top condition:

Initial Cleaning and Preparation:

• For a new keg, it's a good idea to clean it before use. Fill the keg with a warm solution of a cleaner like StellarClean PBW, ensuring you reach the correct dilution. The warmer the temperature, the faster it works, so use hot water if possible.
• Turn the keg upside down for a while to clean the posts and dip tubes. You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior with the cleaning solution.
• Rinse the keg with water, paying close attention to the posts, as they will come into contact with your beer.
• Sanitise the keg with a no-rinse sanitiser like StellarSan. Ensure the sanitiser is in contact with all surfaces for at least 120 seconds at the recommended dilution.
• After sanitising, add a small amount of pressure to the keg (~10 psi) to ensure it stays sealed.
• Apply a small amount of food-grade lubricant to the post O-rings to prevent leaks and make attaching and removing disconnects easier.

Regular Cleaning:

• Get into the habit of cleaning your kegs as soon as they are empty.
• Empty and hose out any residue or trub from the bottom of the keg using a garden hose or a Bucket Blaster.
• Follow the same cleaning procedure as for a new keg, including sanitising and applying keg lube to the post O-rings.

Ongoing Maintenance:

• Inspect the O-rings on the posts and dip tubes periodically, as these can wear over time and may need to be replaced.
• Remove the posts with a spanner to visually inspect for any build-up. Soak in warm PBW to remove any residue.
• Use a dip tube brush to clean the liquid dip tube if needed, though thorough cleaning with PBW should be sufficient.

Signs Your Keg Needs Maintenance:

• Visible wear or damage to the keg neck can cause seal or spear damage, leading to carbonation issues and leaks.
• Lack of pressure may be due to gasket damage or a leak in the keg itself, causing the beer to go flat.
• Off-tasting beer could be due to interior damage, oxygen exposure, or bacteria/beer stone buildup.

Cleaning Techniques:

• Unload and inspect kegs for damage, sorting them according to size.
• Wash the exterior to remove dirt and labels.
• Prerinse to remove soil, then wash with a caustic solution to clean the keg walls and valve stem.
• Wash with an acid solution to neutralise the caustic and remove beer stone.
• Sanitize the keg with chemical sanitizers or steam. Steam is preferable as it sterilizes hard-to-reach crevices and removes air from the keg.
• Before filling, purge the keg with CO2 and pressurize it.

Quality Control:

• Verify the effectiveness of your cleaning system by examining the keg interior regularly.
• Check for carbonation, dissolved oxygen levels, and air, water, CO2, and steam pressures.
• Taste-test the beer regularly to ensure quality.
• Use swab units to check for bacterial growth and organic compounds.

Tracking Maintenance:

• Keep track of when your kegs were last cleaned or repaired.
• For small operations, a simple pen and paper setup or a whiteboard can work.
• For larger operations, consider using keg tracking software to log maintenance and corresponding notes.

By following these steps, you can ensure your kegs remain in good condition, delivering safe and high-quality beer while maximising their lifespan.

Frequently asked questions