Best Places To Buy Empty Beer Kegs

If you're looking to buy empty beer kegs, there are a few options. You can try contacting local breweries or distributors, who are likely to have untapped kegs available due to the closure of bars and restaurants during the pandemic. You can also try dedicated keg sellers such as Southtown Beverages in Rochester, NY, or Beer Run in Virginia, who offer a wide range of keg sizes. Alternatively, you could try Total Wine & More, which offers a range of beer kegs for various occasions.

Keg prices

The price of a keg depends on the brand of beer, the size of the keg, and the market. A half-barrel keg of Bud Light, for example, can cost anywhere from $79 to $139, depending on the market (plus deposit). The deposit is usually small, around $15.

A half keg of Dos Equis Amber costs about $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit is $220 plus deposit.

A quarter keg of Bud Light is $80 plus deposit, and a half-barrel keg of Pabst Blue Ribbon is $129.99.

A full barrel of Heineken (50L) is $199.99, while a half-barrel of Twisted Tea is $229.99.

Some companies, like Total Wine & More, sell over 200,000 beer kegs per year, offering popular domestic lager, craft beer, ale, or imported beer. They also offer special orders for kegs that are not in regular stock.

Keg sizes

Kegs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from the small 5-litre mini-keg to the 36-gallon beer barrel. The most common keg sizes in the US are based on the barrel, which is equal to 31 gallons. This standardisation helps breweries, bars, and restaurants manage their inventory and serving processes more effectively.

Half Barrel Keg

The half barrel keg, also known as the full-size keg, is the standard size used in the US brewing industry. It holds 15.5 gallons of beer, which is approximately 124 pints or 165 12-ounce servings. This is the most common size used in restaurants, bars, and limited home use.

Quarter Barrel Keg

The quarter barrel keg, also known as the pony keg or stubby quarter, is perfect for smaller venues or events where a variety of beers are offered. It holds 7.75 gallons, which equates to approximately 62 pints or 82 12-ounce servings. The standard quarter-barrel keg has a wider diameter and shorter height, offering greater stability and less prone to tipping over.

Sixth Barrel Keg

The sixth barrel keg, also known as the sixtel, is ideal for craft breweries and specialty beers. It holds 5.16 gallons, which is about 41 pints or 55 12-ounce servings. The smaller size allows for a greater variety of beers to be offered without the risk of the beer becoming stale.

Cornelius Keg

The Cornelius keg, also known as the corny keg, was originally designed for dispensing soft drinks but has become popular with homebrewers. It holds 5 gallons, which is approximately 40 pints or 53 12-ounce servings. Corny kegs have a removable lid, making them easy to clean and fill. They use a ball lock or pin lock connection system for dispensing.

Mini Keg

The mini keg, also known as the bubba keg, is designed for small gatherings or outdoor events. It holds 1.32 gallons, which is approximately 10 pints or 14 12-ounce servings. Heineken mini kegs are the most popular and easy-to-find version of this keg style.

Keg couplers

There are several different types of keg couplers, with letter names: A, D, G, M, S, and U. These couplers are not interchangeable, so it is important to ensure you have the correct one for your keg.

The D-System Sankey Coupler is suitable for most North American kegs, including Budweiser, Coors, Miller, and Yuengling. The S-System European Sankey Coupler works with many European brands, including Heineken, Stella Artois, and Amstel. The U-System Guinness Coupler is required for dispensing Guinness, Harp Lager, and Kilkenny. The A-System Coupler is suitable for some notable German beers, including Hoegaarden and Isenbeck. The M-System and G-System Couplers are less common but are necessary for some beers.

Kegco offers a range of keg couplers and components, including the D System, S System, U System, and A System, as well as replacement parts. Micromatic also provides a wide selection of couplers, including the D System, S System, U System, A System, M System, and G System, along with various replacement parts and fittings.

Keg freshness

Keeping your beer fresh in a keg is essential, especially if you're planning an event or party. Beer can go flat or off if it's not stored correctly, so it's important to take steps to ensure your keg beer stays fresh. Here are some tips to maintain keg freshness:

Firstly, refrigeration is key. Beer kegs need to be kept cold to stay fresh. Chilling your keg beer will help it last longer and taste better. A kegerator, which is a refrigerator specifically designed for kegs, is ideal for this purpose. If you don't have access to a kegerator, keep your keg in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

The type of keg you use also matters. Stainless steel mini kegs, for example, are known for their ability to preserve beer freshness. They are designed for mobility and can be easily transported to parties or events. The stainless steel construction and tight seals help maintain the original flavour of the beer. Additionally, the use of CO2 cartridges in pressurized mini keg systems can enhance freshness by allowing you to control carbonation levels.

Keg size is another factor to consider. If you're buying a full-size keg, make sure you have enough people to consume the beer within a reasonable amount of time. A full-size keg typically holds 15.5 gallons or 165 12-ounce beers. For smaller gatherings, a mini keg (1.32 gallons or 14 12-ounce beers) or a quarter keg (7.75 gallons or 83 12-ounce beers) might be more suitable to ensure the beer stays fresh and doesn't go to waste.

When purchasing a keg, it's also important to inspect the pump, tap, and connections to ensure they are in perfect working order. This will prevent any issues with dispensing the beer and ensure you can enjoy your beverage without any problems.

Lastly, proper cleaning and maintenance of your keg are crucial for maintaining freshness. Rinse the keg with warm water immediately after use to prevent residue buildup. For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent or specialized keg cleaner, and always thoroughly rinse and dry the keg before storing it.

Keg rental

If you're looking to rent a keg, there are a few options available to you.

Total Wine & More offers a wide range of beer kegs for various occasions, including weddings. They have an "always available" supply of popular brands and beer keg sizes in the self-service, walk-in cooler of each store. You can also special-order kegs that are not in regular stock by contacting customer service. They also rent out taps and provide everything else you might need, such as tubs, ice, cups, and snacks.

The Liquor Bros also offer a range of beer options in kegs for rental, although these are only available at their retail location. They have various full kegs, 5-gallon kegs, and quarter kegs available at different price points.

Another option is Southtown Beverages, which offers a huge selection of beer kegs from popular brewers, as well as a generous selection of imported beer kegs. They have different keg sizes available, including full, half, and quarter kegs, and they also provide party planning advice.

When renting a keg, it's important to consider the number of people you'll be serving, the duration of your event, and whether there will be other drink options available. This will help you determine the appropriate keg size and quantity needed.

Frequently asked questions