Best Places To Buy Beer By The Barrel

If you're looking to buy a barrel of beer, there are a few options available to you. You can purchase beer barrels from specialist online retailers, such as MoreBeer, which offers a range of wooden oak barrels in different sizes. Alternatively, you can try local stores like JJ's Wine, Spirits & Cigars or The Beer Junction, which offer a variety of kegs in stock and ready for pickup or local delivery. Some retailers, like Total Wine & More, offer online ordering and delivery services for beer kegs as well. Prices for a barrel of beer vary depending on the brand and size, but generally start at around $158 for a half keg. It's important to note that some stores may require you to become a member or pay a deposit for keg purchases.

Kegs for parties, events, and offices

Whether you're organising a party, event, or looking to add something special to your office, kegs are a great way to provide drinks. They offer a unique and memorable experience, perfect for any occasion.

For parties and events, mobile bar services are a fantastic option. These services can provide a stylish and impressive way to serve drinks, such as Kombi Keg's camper van bar, which offers six taps for a variety of drinks, including beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks. Mobile bar services are a great way to add a touch of class and style to your event, and many offer customisation options, such as vinyl wraps to match your event's theme.

If you're looking for a more simple option, companies like Party Kegs offer beer keg and bar hire services with delivery. They can provide a single keg or a fully stocked bar, complete with glasses and bar staff. This option is ideal for small gatherings or large events such as weddings, corporate functions, and outdoor parties.

For offices, kegerators are an excellent choice. These units can be freestanding or installed under the counter, offering a sleek and convenient way to dispense drinks. Kegerators are perfect for offices with limited refrigerator space, and they can also help reduce your environmental impact and save money by replacing individually packaged beverages. When selecting a kegerator, consider the size and whether you want a freestanding or undercounter unit. Options range from one-door kegerators with two taps to three-door kegerators with four taps, ensuring you can find the right fit for your office.

Kegs and kegerators offer a unique and cost-effective way to provide drinks for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a mobile bar for a special event or a convenient office beverage solution, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Keg rental services

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More offers a wide range of beer kegs for various occasions, from large parties to personal kegerators. They sell popular domestic lager, craft beer, ale, and imported beer kegs in different sizes. The company provides self-service, walk-in coolers in each store, stocked with popular brands and beer keg sizes. They also offer special order options for kegs that are not regularly in stock. In addition to keg rentals, they provide taps, tubs, ice, cups, beer glassware, and snacks.

Discount Liquor

Discount Liquor caters to various keg beer needs, whether for weddings, tailgating, or refilling home kegerators. They rent domestic and import tappers, tap boxes, and tubs. They also sell ice in different quantities to accommodate your needs. Discount Liquor recommends calling their stores in advance to ensure the availability of your desired beer and to place your order.

MicroStar

MicroStar offers outsourced keg solutions to simplify brewery operations. They manage two pools of kegs in the US: KegCraft and MicroStar-branded kegs. Their scale and in-house capabilities enable them to assure supply and provide competitive rates on keg rentals. MicroStar's partnership mentality allows for a simple conversion to their Pay-Per-Fill model if desired. They also offer international keg rental services through their Kegstar division.

Keg Logistics

Keg Logistics provides flexibility with various keg program options and payment terms. They offer rent-to-own, short-term leasing, pay-per-fill, sale and leaseback, and export keg programs. You can contact them to discuss your specific needs and receive a custom quote.

These companies offer a range of keg rental services, providing convenience, flexibility, and additional supplies to meet your beer-serving needs. Be sure to explore their websites or contact them directly for more detailed information about their offerings.

Different keg sizes

There are several different sizes of beer kegs available, each with its own unique name and purpose. Here is a detailed overview of the different keg sizes:

Half Barrel Keg (Full-Size 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, equivalent to around 124 pints or 165 12-ounce servings. This is the granddaddy of kegs and what most people picture when they think of a beer keg. It is commonly used in bars, restaurants, and large events.

Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter)

The quarter-barrel keg, also known as a pony keg or stubby quarter, is shorter than the half-barrel keg. It holds 7.75 gallons of beer, which equates to approximately 62 pints or 82-83 12-ounce servings. This size is perfect for small parties, smaller venues, or special events where a variety of beers are offered.

Sixth Barrel Keg (Sixtel)

The sixth-barrel keg, often referred to as a sixtel, is very similar in size and shape to the Cornelius keg. It holds 5.16 gallons of beer, or about 41-42 pints, or 55 12-ounce servings. This size is commonly used for specialty and craft beers, as well as by restaurants and bars that want to offer a wide variety of beers without taking up too much space.

Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)

The Cornelius keg, fondly nicknamed the Corny keg, is a favourite among homebrewers. It was originally designed for dispensing soft drinks but has gained popularity in the brewing community. It holds 5 gallons of beer, or around 40 pints, or 53 12-ounce servings. The Corny keg is easy to fill, clean, and maintain, making it a convenient option for those who want to skip the bottling process.

Mini Keg (Bubba Keg)

The mini keg is perfect for small gatherings or portable purposes. It holds 1.32 gallons of beer, which is approximately 10 pints or 14 12-ounce servings. While mini kegs are great for one-time use, you may have a hard time finding them with specific beers.

How to keep a keg cold

Keeping a keg cold is essential for preserving unpasteurized beer and maintaining its taste and quality. Here are some ways to keep a keg cold without a kegerator:

Use a Keg Tub or Container

One of the most common and reliable ways to keep a keg chilled is to place it in a dedicated keg tub or a large container filled with ice. Ensure you add ice to the bottom of the tub before placing the keg in and then pack it tightly with more ice and ice water. This method is simple and effective, allowing you to transport your keg easily while keeping the beer cold.

Use a Jockey Box

A jockey box is a piece of beer cooling equipment that uses chilled coils to cool the beer directly. The beer lines connect to the cold beer keg on one end and a tap on the other. Surround the coils with as much ice as possible to make the metal extremely cold, which in turn cools the beer as it travels to the tap. Jockey boxes are easy to use, transport, and can cater to multiple kegs simultaneously.

Insulated Jacket or Sheet

A keg blanket, sheet, or insulated jacket is designed to wrap around your keg and insulate it, helping to keep the beer cold for extended periods. These jackets are form-fitting and often have pouches that allow you to pour ice inside for added cooling. They also protect the exterior of the keg from bumps and scratches during transport.

Basement Storage

The basement is typically the coolest part of a house due to being underground and away from direct sunlight. Storing your keg in a basement can help keep it cold, especially if you don't have access to a refrigerator or ice. If possible, set up a way to dispense the beer, turning your basement into a unique bar area.

Wet T-Shirt and Fan Method

This method involves wrapping a wet fabric, such as a towel or t-shirt, around the keg and pointing a fan at it. The evaporation of the water will help cool the keg and the liquid inside. This method is ideal for outdoor parties or gatherings where it may be challenging to bring a large supply of ice.

Additional Tips

• Keep the keg in the shade and avoid direct sunlight, as heat can be detrimental to keeping the beer cold.
• Place the keg in the refrigerator overnight before a big event to ensure it is nicely chilled.
• Add salt to your ice, as it lowers the freezing point, making the ice cooler and helping it last longer.
• Transport the keg upright to protect the pressure regulator and the CO2 tank, ensuring a smooth pour.

Where to buy barrels

If you're looking to buy a barrel of beer, there are several retailers to consider. The Beer Junction, for example, offers a great selection of kegs in stock and ready to go. You can reserve a keg by contacting them via phone or email, and they can also help you pick the perfect beer for your taste buds. Additionally, they rent party pump taps, which can be useful for your event or party.

Total Wine & More is another option, offering a wide range of popular and craft beer kegs, including domestic and imported options. They also provide wedding services, so if you're planning a wedding and need a keg, they can help you out.

For those interested in wooden oak barrels for brewing beer at home, MoreBeer! is a great choice. They sell oak barrels, barrel racks, and accessories. The Balazs New Hungarian Oak Barrel is one of their featured products, known for bringing weight and minerality to the beverage.

Discount Liquor is also an option for your keg beer needs, offering a range of domestic and import tappers, tap boxes, and tubs. They have two locations in Milwaukee and Waukesha, Wisconsin, and can be contacted directly for more information.

Lastly, JJ's Wine, Spirits & Cigars offers kegs, but you must first become a VIP member to keep track of their keg barrels. They have a deposit policy for all keg purchases, with a full refund offered within the first 30 days.

Each of these retailers provides various options for purchasing barrels of beer, whether for personal or event use, so be sure to consider your specific needs when making a decision.

Frequently asked questions