Best Places To Buy Draft Beer Kegs

If you're looking to buy draft beer kegs, there are several options available to you. You can purchase kegs online or from physical stores, depending on your location and preferences. Various retailers offer a range of keg sizes, from half barrels to mini-kegs, and some even provide rental options for special events like weddings. The cost of a keg depends on the brand and size, with popular options including Bud Light, Yuengling, and Heineken. When purchasing a keg, you may also need to consider additional equipment, such as taps, pumps, and tubs, which some retailers also offer for rent or sale. It's important to note that some stores have restrictions on payment methods and the number of kegs sold per person.

Keg beer retailers

There are several keg beer retailers that offer a variety of options for consumers. Some popular retailers include Total Wine & More, Heidelberg Distributing, City Beverage, and Cavalier Distributing. These retailers offer a range of keg sizes, including half barrels, quarter barrels, sixth barrels, and mini-kegs, with popular brands such as Yuengling, Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Samuel Adams.

Total Wine & More offers a wide selection of beer kegs, including popular brands and different types of beer such as lager, IPA, and ale. They also provide information on keg couplers and tips on how to avoid foamy beer. The retailer has a Wedding Planning page and can advise on the amount of beer needed for different-sized parties.

Heidelberg Distributing, located in Ohio, provides online ordering and pick-up options for kegs. They offer a range of craft beer options, including Breckenridge Seasonal, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and Mother Stewart's Witbier. The retailer also provides rental options for taps and other supplies.

City Beverage provides keg pricing and availability information for a variety of brands, including Yuengling, Golden Road, and Goose Island. They offer different keg sizes and accept cash or card payments only.

Cavalier Distributing, located in Ohio, boasts the largest selection of craft and import kegs. They offer ½ barrel kegs and other sizes upon request, as well as party pumps and keg tubs for rental with a deposit. Cavalier Distributing accepts cash and all major credit cards but does not accept checks. They also provide recommendations and guidance on selecting the right beer and keg size for special occasions.

Additionally, some retailers, such as Half Time, offer mini-kegs that can be shipped directly to consumers' doors. These mini-kegs contain enough beer for 14 standard pours, making them perfect for small gatherings or personal enjoyment.

Keg rental services

Where to Rent Kegs

Total Wine & More is a popular option for keg rentals, offering a wide range of beer options, including domestic, imported, and craft brews. They provide everything you need, from taps and tubs to cups and snacks. You can visit their website or physical stores to place your order.

Heidelberg Distributing is another option, offering online ordering and pick-up services for kegs. They carry a variety of beer options and provide clear instructions for the rental process, including age verification and deposit requirements.

Rental Options

When it comes to rental options, companies like Keg Logistics offer flexible programs such as rent-to-own, short-term leasing, pay-per-fill, and export keg programs. This allows customers to choose the option that best suits their needs and budget.

Keg Sizes

It's important to consider the different keg sizes available. The standard options include the half barrel (full-size keg), quarter barrel (pony keg), sixth barrel, Cornelius keg, and mini-keg. The number of beers in each keg varies, so choose the size that aligns with the number of guests at your event.

Couplers and Taps

When renting a keg, don't forget about the coupler and tap. Different types of kegs require specific couplers, so be sure to consult with the rental company to ensure you have the correct one. The Sankey coupler, for example, is popular among commercial brewers as it has one port for both dispensing beer and allowing gas into the keg.

Cost Considerations

The cost of renting a keg depends on various factors, including the size, brand, and market price. For example, a half keg of Dos Equis Amber may cost around $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit could be priced at $220 plus deposit. The deposit is usually a small amount, typically around $15.

Event Planning

When planning an event, it's essential to estimate how much beer you'll need. Consider the duration of the event, the drinking preferences of your guests, and whether other drink options will be available. For instance, for a three-hour party with 100 average drinkers, you'll need approximately 408 beers.

Keg sizes

Kegs come in a variety of sizes, with the most common in the US being the half barrel, quarter barrel, sixth barrel, Cornelius keg, and mini-keg.

The half barrel, or full-size keg, is the largest of the standard keg sizes, holding 15.5 gallons or 165 12-ounce beers. This is the standard size used in the US brewing industry and is commonly found in bars and restaurants.

The quarter barrel, also known as a pony keg or stubby quarter, holds 7.75 gallons or 83 12-ounce beers. This size is perfect for smaller venues or events where a variety of beers are offered.

The sixth barrel, or sixtel, is similar in size and shape to the Cornelius keg but slightly bigger, holding 5.16 gallons or 55 12-ounce beers. This size is popular for craft brewers offering small-batch experiments and beer-minded restaurateurs who want to offer a wide variety of beers.

The Cornelius keg, or Corny keg, was originally designed for storing, distributing, and dispensing soda. It has a five-gallon capacity and is a popular choice for homebrewers due to its ease of filling, cleaning, and maintenance.

The mini-keg, or bubba keg, is the smallest of the standard keg sizes, holding 1.32 gallons or 14 12-ounce beers. This size is perfect for small gatherings or outdoor events.

Other less common keg sizes include the eighth barrel, which is similar in dimensions to the sixth barrel but with the bottom seven inches hollow, and the import keg, or European barrel, which holds 13.2 gallons and is commonly used by European breweries.

Keg couplers

There are several different kinds of keg couplers, with letter names: A, D, G, M, S, and U. While they look similar, they are not interchangeable, so it is important to ensure you have the correct coupler for your keg.

The D-System Sankey Coupler will tap most American or Canadian domestic kegs, including Yuengling, Miller, Budweiser, and almost all beers brewed in North America. The S-System European Sankey Coupler works with most European beers, including Heineken, Stella Artois, and Amstel. For a Guinness, you will need the U-System Guinness Coupler, which also works for Harp Lager and Kilkenny. The A-System Coupler is known for tapping notable German beers, including Hoegaarden, Isenbeck, and Aigner. The M-System and G-System Couplers are less commonly used but are required for some beers.

Kegco offers a range of keg couplers and replacement parts, while Kegworks provides a master list of keg couplers to help you find the right one for your keg.

Keg taps

To get the beer flowing from your keg, you'll need a keg pump or tap. These can be purchased or rented from various retailers, including Amazon, KegWorks, Total Wine & More, and Heidelberg Distributing.

Keg pumps and taps come in a variety of types, with different faucets and couplers. The type of pump or tap you need will depend on the kind of beer you're dispensing and how and where you plan to dispense it. For example, if you're dispensing an American or Canadian domestic brew, you'll likely need a D-system pump or tap, whereas for European beers, you'll need an S-system, A-system, or G-system.

If you're supplying beer to a large number of people, you may want to opt for a CO2-powered tap to avoid the task of pumping all night.

When purchasing a keg pump or tap, be sure to check that it comes with the correct coupler to open your keg. You may also need to rent a coupler separately, which some retailers offer when you purchase a keg.

Keg pumps and taps are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, chrome, and plastic. Prices vary depending on the type and quality, with some basic options starting as low as $12, and more premium options costing a few hundred dollars.

Frequently asked questions