Victoria's Best Keg Beer: Where To Buy

If you're looking to buy a keg of beer in Victoria, there are a few options to consider. Moon Under Water Brewery offers 30L kegs of their core beers and select seasonals for $130 plus taxes and a $30 keg deposit, which includes the rental of a pump and bucket. Phillips Brewing provides keg rentals in 20L and 50L sizes, with prices ranging from $90 to $205 plus taxes, and they request a 3-day notice for orders. Beer Run has a wide variety of keg options, including different sizes and brands, with prices varying accordingly. It's important to contact them in advance, preferably 3 business days, to ensure availability. These options provide flexibility in terms of beer choices and keg sizes, making them a great choice for parties, weddings, or other special occasions.

Keg prices and deposit refunds

Keg prices vary depending on the size of the keg and the type of beer. For example, at Beer Run, a 15.5-gallon keg of Allagash White beer costs $225, while a 5.16-gallon keg of the same beer costs $125. Similarly, a 15.5-gallon keg of Bud Light is priced at $179, and a 5.16-gallon keg is $84. It is worth noting that Beer Run mentions that their keg prices are subject to change due to distributor price increases.

At Phillips Brewing, a 20L keg ranges from $90 to $95 plus taxes, while a 50L keg ranges from $185 to $205 plus taxes. The specific price depends on the type of beer selected.

Moon Brewery & Pub offers 30L kegs for $130 plus applicable taxes and a $30 keg deposit. The deposit includes the rental of a pump and a bucket, which must be returned along with the keg to receive a refund.

When it comes to deposit refunds, most establishments require the return of the keg, pump, bucket, and receipt to process the refund. It is important to note that some places may have specific requirements or conditions for receiving a deposit refund, so it is always a good idea to review their policies or contact them directly for clarification.

In addition to the cost of the keg, it is worth considering any additional costs associated with serving the beer. For example, Beer Run charges $30 for a bucket or tub and $60 for a tap. These extra costs should be factored in when budgeting for a party or event.

How to tap a keg

If you're looking to buy a keg of beer in Victoria, Moon Under Water Brewery offers 30L kegs of their core beers and select seasonals for $130 plus tax, with a $30 deposit for the rental of a pump and bucket. This deposit is returned when the equipment is brought back to the pub.

Now, if you've got that keg sitting nearby, waiting to be tapped, here's how to do it.

Firstly, identify the type of coupler system your keg has, and acquire the correct tap/coupler/pump type. Most beer kegs sold in the US use the American 'D' system, while imports will use the European 'S' system or another less common system. Your keg distributor should be able to help you with this.

Next, ice your keg. This will help you later with pouring a perfect head. The whole keg should be iced, not just the bottom third. A large bucket or garbage bag can help you stuff ice around the sides of the keg, and you should leave it to chill for several hours. Don't forget to also ice your tap and beer line for about an hour before you pour.

Now, remove any plastic or cardboard from around the tap fixture at the top of the keg. With the pump handle up (the off position), line up the coupler lugs with the corresponding openings on the keg valve. While applying downward pressure, turn the tap system clockwise as far as it will go (about 90 degrees).

Push the pump handle down (the on position). This allows gas to enter the keg and the beer to flow out. If you see bubbles around the connection, it's not seated correctly, and you'll need to try again. With a full, new keg, you won't need to pump for the first few pints – there's enough pressure in the keg to get the beer flowing. It's likely that the first pint will be all foam, but after pouring several pints, you can use the pump to build up the pressure in the keg again.

Finally, open the pouring valve, then pump the handle until your glass is full. Only pump with the valve open.

Enjoy your beer, but remember to drink responsibly!

Beer storage and serving temperature

When it comes to storing and serving beer, temperature plays a crucial role in maintaining its quality and taste. Here are some detailed guidelines and tips on beer storage and serving temperatures to ensure you get the most out of your keg of beer:

Beer Storage Temperature:

The ideal temperature range for storing beer is between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (0-4 degrees Celsius). Storing beer at higher temperatures can lead to undesirable changes in its flavour and quality. Excessive heat can cause the hops in the beer to break down, resulting in a skunky taste and smell due to the formation of mercaptans, a chemical reaction caused by light exposure. Additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the spoilage of beer, leading to off-flavours such as sourness or staleness.

On the other hand, storing beer at too low a temperature can also be detrimental. Beer stored below freezing will become slushy and lose its carbonation, while beer just above freezing can become flat. Storing beer below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) can cause cloudiness as the proteins in the beer coagulate. Lighter beers, such as lagers and pilsners, are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations than darker beers like stouts and porters, which have darker malts that provide better insulation.

To maintain the ideal storage temperature, consider investing in a beverage cooler or a dual-temperature beer fridge, which allows you to store different types of beer at their optimal temperatures. A dual-temperature beer fridge typically has separate compartments with individual temperature controls, providing the ideal storage environment for different beer styles.

Serving Temperature:

The serving temperature for beer can vary depending on the style. As a general rule, most beers are best served chilled, but not ice-cold. Strong beers, such as barleywines and dark ales, are typically served at room temperature (55-60 degrees Fahrenheit), while standard ales like IPAs, stouts, and lambics are best served at cellar temperature (50-55 degrees Fahrenheit). Lighter beers, including lagers, pilsners, and wheat beers, are usually served chilled (45-50 degrees Fahrenheit).

It's important to note that serving beer at the correct temperature enhances its flavour and aroma. Warmer serving temperatures highlight the complexity of flavours in stronger beers, while chilled temperatures accentuate the crispness and refreshment of lighter beers.

Additionally, when serving beer from a keg, it's crucial to keep it properly refrigerated or on ice to maintain a temperature below 4 degrees Celsius. Warmer temperatures will cause the beer to become foamy, and freezing should be avoided as beer freezes at around -4 degrees Celsius.

Seasonal beer options

When it comes to seasonal beer options in Victoria, there are several breweries offering a diverse range of options. Here are some of the top choices:

Moon Under Water Brewery

Moon Under Water Brewery, located at 350 Bay Street, offers a unique experience as both a distillery and a brewery. Founded by Clay Potter, an alumnus of the Heriot-Watt International Centre for Brewing and Distilling, the brewery showcases a creative blend of European traditions and Canadian innovation. While they are known for their award-winning spirits, their beer selection is equally impressive. Moon Under Water provides seasonal options in 30L kegs, perfect for parties or weddings. Their current seasonal offerings include Creepy Uncle Dunkel Dark Munich Lager, Lightside of the Moon Session Lager, and Hip as Funk Farmhouse IPA.

Hoyne Brewing Company

Hoyne Brewing Company, founded in 2011, has become a staple in Victoria and across British Columbia. They draw inspiration from European breweries and value traditions in their beers. Hoyne offers seven permanent beers alongside a rotating selection of up to 10 seasonal and limited-edition brews each year. Their Dark Matter and Espresso Stout are particularly well-regarded, showcasing the depth and variety of their offerings.

Whistle Buoy Brewing

Whistle Buoy Brewing, located in Market Square, is a microbrewery that prides itself on sourcing local ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. They encourage their brewers to be creative and experimental, resulting in unique offerings such as their Undersea Gose, crafted from island kelp and blue algae. Whistle Buoy is an excellent choice for those seeking something new and different.

Harold Street Brew Works

Harold Street Brew Works, created by the owners of Victoria's The Drake and New Westminster's Steel & Oak Brewing, is committed to positively impacting its community. With an open-concept design, visitors can peek behind the scenes as they enjoy unique spins on classic beers. Every beer is poured straight from the tanks, ensuring optimal freshness in every cup.

Ile Sauvage Brewing

Ile Sauvage Brewing is a must-visit for sour beer enthusiasts. They offer an extensive selection of sour beers, making it a haven for those who enjoy the unique, tangy flavours of wild fermentation.

Whether you're seeking seasonal favourites, limited editions, or innovative brews, Victoria's craft beer scene has something for everyone. Be sure to explore these breweries and discover your new favourite seasonal beer!

Different keg sizes

When it comes to buying a keg of beer, size matters. Different keg sizes are available to suit various purposes and settings, whether you're hosting a party, visiting a bar, or brewing at home. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right keg size for your needs:

Mini Keg

The mini keg is perfect for small gatherings or one-time use. It typically holds around 5 litres of beer, which is about 14 to 169 ounces or 10 to 14 pints. Mini kegs are often used for portable purposes, such as camping trips or small dinner parties. However, they may be challenging to find with specific beer brands.

Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)

The Cornelius Keg, affectionately known as the "Corny Keg," is a favourite among homebrewers. With a capacity of 5 gallons or 640 ounces, it can serve approximately 53 twelve-ounce servings or 40 sixteen-ounce pints. Corny Kegs were initially designed for dispensing soft drinks but have since become popular in the brewing community due to their ease of filling, cleaning, and maintenance. They feature a ball-lock or pin-lock connection system for dispensing.

Sixth Barrel Keg (Sixtel)

The Sixth Barrel Keg, also known as a sixtel, is slightly larger than the Corny Keg, holding 5.16 gallons or 661 ounces. It typically serves about 41 to 42 pints or 55 twelve-ounce servings. This keg size is ideal for specialty and craft beers, allowing a diverse selection without the risk of the beer going stale. It's a popular choice for bars and restaurants that want to offer a wide variety of beers to their customers without taking up too much space.

Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg)

The Quarter Barrel Keg, also known as the "Pony Keg," is a stubby or slim keg that holds 7.75 gallons of beer, translating to about 62 pints or 82 twelve-ounce servings. It is perfect for small parties or events where a smaller variety of beers are served. The stubby version is shorter and wider, providing greater stability, while the slim version is taller and narrower, designed for vertical space utilisation.

Half Barrel Keg (Full Keg)

The Half Barrel Keg, also known as the "Full Keg," is the standard size used in the brewing industry and what most people picture when they think of a beer keg. It holds 15.5 gallons of beer, which is approximately 124 pints or 165 twelve-ounce servings. This keg size is commonly used in bars, restaurants, and large events. However, it may be too large for some kegerators, and its weight can make handling and transportation challenging.

European Barrel (Import Keg)

The European Barrel, also known as the "Import Keg" or "50 Liter Keg," is the standard keg size in European countries. It holds 13.2 gallons or 50 litres of beer, which is approximately 105 pints or 140 twelve-ounce servings. Popular import brands in the US include Heineken, Newcastle, Hoegaarden, and Stella Artois. It's important to note that import kegs use a different coupler than US standard kegs.

Frequently asked questions