Best Places To Buy A Pony Keg Of Beer

Pony kegs, also known as quarter-barrel kegs, are one of the most popular sizes for beer, used by professionals and homebrewers alike. They hold about 7.75 gallons (30 litres) of beer, which is the equivalent of 82 or 83 12-ounce cans or bottles. Pony kegs are a good option for storing and dispensing beer and can be purchased from various retailers, including BevMo, The Beer Junction, Total Wine & More, and Beverage Craft.

Kegs for parties

Kegs are a great option for parties, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to serve beer to a large number of guests. When choosing a keg for your party, there are a few things to consider, such as the number of guests, the duration of the party, and the average drinking habits of your guests.

The first step is to estimate how many beer drinkers you will have at your party. This will help you determine the number of beers you need to serve per person and, consequently, the size of the keg you need to purchase. A pony keg, also known as a quarter barrel keg, typically holds about 7.75 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to 82 to 83 12-ounce cans or bottles. This amount should be sufficient for a party of 10 to 15 people, depending on their drinking habits.

When it comes to choosing a keg, you have the option of a Corny keg, which holds 5 gallons of beer, or a pony keg, which is larger and holds about 7.75 gallons. Pony kegs are a popular choice as they fall between the smaller Corny kegs and the full-size half-barrel kegs, which may be too big for home use. Pony kegs are also easily reusable and can be tapped using proper equipment like keg couplers.

To ensure your beer stays fresh and tasty, it's important to keep your keg cold at all times. This can be achieved by keeping the keg refrigerated before the party and during the event, placing it in a bucket of ice. If you use a party pump tap, the beer should be consumed on the same day, as this style of tap causes the flavour to change faster. However, if you store the keg under CO2 pressure and refrigeration, it can stay fresh for up to two months.

When purchasing a keg, you may also need to rent or buy additional equipment, such as a coupler or a tap. The standard US Sankey tap, also known as a "D Coupler", is the most commonly used for American kegs. Some retailers, such as The Beer Junction, offer rentals of party pump taps, either with a keg or separately. They also provide recommendations on beer selections if you're unsure of what to choose.

Kegs for home use

Kegs are a great way to store and serve beer for parties or other events. They come in various sizes, with the number of beers in a keg ranging from 14 to 165 12-ounce servings. The most common sizes are the half barrel, quarter barrel, sixth barrel, Cornelius keg, and mini-keg.

Where to buy kegs for home use

Kegs can be purchased from various retailers, both in-store and online. Some popular options include:

• Total Wine & More: They offer a wide range of beer kegs, including popular brands such as Busch, Coors, and Bud Light. They also provide rental services for weddings and other events.
• Beverage Craft: This company offers a range of draft beer equipment and accessories, including kegs, kegerators, and keg couplers. They serve both Canada and the USA.
• Kegerator.com: Specialising in kegerators, this website offers a wide range of options for storing and dispensing kegs at home, including single and double tap kegerators, as well as models specifically designed for homebrewers.
• Kegco: For those interested in brewing their own beer, Kegco offers a selection of quality kegs in various shapes and sizes, featuring durable ball-lock fittings and treated metal to keep beer fresh.

Things to consider when buying a keg for home use

When purchasing a keg for home use, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Size: Consider how much beer you need and how much space you have for storage. The larger the keg, the more beer it will hold, but it will also be heavier and more difficult to handle.
• Tapping and dispensing: Ensure you have the proper equipment to tap and dispense the beer, such as a keg coupler and a kegerator or pump.
• Storage and serving temperature: Beer should be kept cold to stay fresh and maintain its flavour. Consider investing in a kegerator to keep your keg at the ideal serving temperature.
• Beer style and brand: Different brands and styles of beer will have varying prices and availability. Be sure to check with your local distributor to see what options are available in your area.

Keg couplers

A keg coupler is a vital piece of equipment for any draft beer system. It connects the gas and beer lines to your keg. Pressurised gas (either CO2 or nitrogen, depending on the type of beer) flows into the side of the keg coupler through an airline, and the beer flows out through a beer line attached to the top.

There are six main types of keg coupler, each used for different styles of beer:

• D-type coupler: fits US Sankey keg valves, used by most North American beers, including Budweiser, Coors, and Miller.
• U-type coupler: fits some European keg valves, including beers from Ireland, such as Guinness, Harp Lager, and Magners Cider.
• G-type coupler: fits some European keg valves, used by some British, Dutch, and American breweries, including Anchor and Boddington's.
• S-type coupler: fits European Sankey keg valves, used for popular European brews like Amstel, Pilsner Urquell, and Newcastle.
• A-type coupler: fits most German keg valves, used on almost all German beers and about half of Belgian beers, including Krombacher and Hoegaarden.
• M-type coupler: fits some German keg valves, used on a few German beers like Schneider Weisse.

While they may look similar, keg couplers are not interchangeable, so it's important to ensure you have the right one for your keg.

Storing and dispensing kegged beer

Storing Kegged Beer:

• Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature for your kegged beer. Ideally, store the keg at a temperature of around 38°F, especially for ales. Lower temperatures are generally acceptable, but avoid exceeding 38°F to preserve beer quality.
• Limit Movement: Avoid shaking or rolling the keg. Before tapping, let it rest for a few hours to settle.
• Proper Equipment: Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as a kegerator, to store and dispense your beer. A kegerator helps maintain the optimal temperature and pressure for your beer.
• Avoid Excessive Pressure: Keep the pressure consistent at around 10-12 PSI for American ales and lagers. Excessive pressure can lead to excessive foaming and alter the taste of your beer.
• Consult Distributors: Different brands and styles of beer may have specific storage requirements. Contact the distributor or brewery for recommendations on the optimal temperature and pressure for your particular keg.

Dispensing Kegged Beer:

• Let It Settle: After setting up the keg in the kegerator, allow it to settle for at least an hour or two before dispensing. This helps the beer reach the proper temperature and reduces foaming.
• Use a Keg Pump: If you're dispensing outdoors, consider using a beer keg party pump. Create a base of ice at the bottom of a bag, insert the keg, and fill the rest of the bag with ice. Follow the pump manufacturer's instructions for tapping and dispensing.
• Tap with Care: When tapping the keg, be gentle to avoid excessive foaming. Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your particular type of keg.
• Store Unused Kegs: If you have unused kegs, they can be stored at room temperature for up to six months if unopened. Ensure they are stored between 33-75°F to maintain freshness.

By following these instructions, you can ensure that your kegged beer stays fresh and flavorful, providing the perfect pour for yourself and your guests.

Kegged beer for weddings

A pony keg is a slang name for a quarter barrel keg, holding about 7.75 gallons (30 litres) of beer, or 82-83 12-ounce servings. This is a good option for storing and dispensing kegged beer, and can supply a party of 10-15 people with fresh draft beer. This makes it a good option for a wedding, especially as it is easily reusable and can be tapped using keg couplers.

If you're looking to serve beer at your wedding, kegs are a cost-effective option. You can ask your caterer about rustic keg barrels, or even build your own "semi" portable craft beer bar. You can also make your own brew and give it a custom label, or offer a wider variety of bottled beers.

There are a few things to consider when it comes to kegged beer for a wedding. Firstly, you'll need to think about the number of guests and how much beer you'll need. A decent estimate is that 20% of the drinks consumed will be beers or ciders if you're also serving cocktails, and 35% if you're only serving beer and wine. You'll also need to think about the practicalities of setting up a draft system and whether you'll need to transport the keg to a hard-to-reach spot. Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of cups, as these will need to be provided separately.

Frequently asked questions