Purchasing A Keg Of Strand Beer: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to buy a keg of Strand Beer, there are a few things you'll need to do. Firstly, you'll need to figure out how much beer you need and what size keg to get. There are several options to choose from, including mini kegs, Cornelius kegs, and full kegs. Once you've determined the size, find a store that sells Strand Beer kegs, such as a liquor store, brewery, or even some restaurants. It's a good idea to choose a place close to your party location and plan to order the keg in advance to ensure availability. Don't forget to bring proper identification and money for deposits and beer costs when you go to pick up the keg. You may also need to rent additional equipment like a tap or a kegerator to keep the beer cold and properly dispense it. Enjoy your Strand Beer!

Keg sizes and how much beer you need

The amount of beer you need depends on the type of event you are hosting. Estimate that party guests will have 1-2 drinks per hour. There are several different keg sizes to consider:

Mini Keg

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

Cornelius Keg

A Cornelius keg is a tall, round keg commonly used for soft drinks, but they have also been adapted by home brewers to use for beer. It holds 5 gallons, which equals about 55 12-ounce servings, or 41 pints.

Log Keg (Sixth Barrel)

A log keg holds about 5.16 gallons, which equals about 42 pints or 55 12-ounce servings. Sixth barrel kegs are typically used for specialty and craft beers.

Pony Keg (Quarter Barrel)

A pony keg holds about 7.5 gallons, which equals about 82 12-ounce servings, or 62 pints.

Full Keg (Half Barrel)

A full keg holds about 15 gallons, which equals about 165 12-ounce servings, or 124 pints. The full keg is the most common size of keg.

Where to buy a keg

There are many places that sell kegs, and you can buy them in-store or online. The best place to start looking is at your local microbrewery. If they don't sell kegs, they will be able to tell you where kegs of their brew are available. You can also use the Kegerators.com keg beer directory to locate a keg beer retailer in your area.

If you live in a remote area without access to any local brewing establishment, your local neighbourhood liquor store is a good place to go, even if it doesn't advertise that they have kegs. Large liquor retailers like "Liquor Barn" are going to be the most inexpensive places to buy kegs, aside from the actual brewery (if they even sell on-site).

If you live in one of the following states, you may be able to get the keg delivered to your doorstep: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, IN, MI, MO, NJ, NY, OH, VA, WA, WI.

If you're in Utah or one of the "Dry" counties in the south, you may struggle to find a keg of beer. The state of Utah has actually banned kegs altogether.

What to Consider When Buying a Keg

When buying a keg, you should consider the following:

• How much beer you need
• The type of event you are hosting
• The location of the party
• Whether you need to rent accessories
• Whether you need a permit
• The cost of the keg and any deposits
• How long the beer will last

Permits and ID requirements

To buy a keg of beer, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid, government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, non-driver ID card, military ID, or passport. You will need to present this ID when you pick up the keg, and anyone who accompanies you in the car will also need to show proof of age.

In addition to ID requirements, there may be permit requirements depending on the state and locality in which you are purchasing the keg. Some states have keg registration laws that require identification tags or labels to be affixed to beer kegs upon retail sale. These tags or labels allow each keg to be traced back to the seller and ultimately to the purchaser. The laws vary widely in their specifics and enforcement, and the cost of labels depends on whether they are purchased in bulk and the state requirements.

If you are planning to serve beer from a keg at a special event, such as a wedding or fundraiser, you may need to obtain a special permit. These permits are typically issued by your state's liquor control board. For private parties, you would apply for a banquet permit, while nonprofit organizations would need a special occasion permit and a licensed bartender to serve the beer.

Keg taps and accessories

To tap your keg of Strand Beer, you will need to rent or buy a tap. Taps are available from liquor stores, breweries, and online retailers. You can also rent a kegerator, a refrigerator designed to hold a keg and allow for easy dispensing. If you are supplying beer to a large number of people, you may want to consider a kegerator or using CO2 to pump the beer rather than manually pumping it yourself.

Keg taps come in a variety of types, including:

• Picnic pumps
• Party pumps
• D-system pumps
• European S-system pumps
• A-system pumps
• G-system pumps

When choosing a keg tap, consider the type of beer you are dispensing, as well as the number of people you will be serving. Different types of beer require different coupler systems to open the keg. Most American and Canadian domestic brews use a D-system, but you can find coupler lists online to match the beer you are serving to the correct coupler system.

In addition to a tap, you may want to rent or purchase the following accessories:

• A bucket for chilling the keg
• A jockey box, a mini cooler that has tubing for the beer to flow through to the tap
• CO2 chargers and refills
• Temperature controllers
• Coupler nuts and washers
• Cleaning brushes and pumps
• Hose for the beer line
• Glassware

Returning the keg

Make sure you return the keg by the given deadline, which could be anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. Return all the rented items, including the tap and any chilling equipment. Ensure that the person who rented the keg is also the one who returns it, as some stores might refuse to accept the keg if the wrong person tries to return it.

Before transporting the keg, remove the tap to avoid any issues with open container laws. Empty the keg before returning it, as some vendors require this. Also, be aware that you will not get a refund for any leftover beer.

It is worth noting that some states have keg registration laws, which require retailers to attach an identification tag to a keg exceeding a specified capacity. In some states, it is a crime to possess an unlabeled or unregistered keg, and retailers should record your identifying information, such as name, address, and driver's license.

Finally, be aware that keg theft and misuse are common issues, and it is illegal to tamper with or convert a rented keg for personal use, such as furniture or homebrewing equipment.

Frequently asked questions