Best Places To Buy Craft Beer Kegs

If you're looking to buy craft beer kegs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of keg you need will depend on the dispensing method you plan to use. For example, a Sankey keg has one port for both dispensing beer and allowing gas into the keg and is a popular choice among commercial brewers. The cost of a keg depends on the size and brand, and you'll also need to factor in the cost of cups. Another thing to consider is the pressure, as too much or too little can affect the beer's quality. You can purchase beer kegs from retailers such as Total Wine & More, which offers a wide selection of beers and can guide you in choosing the right keg for your needs.

Online retailers like Total Wine & More

The cost of a keg of beer varies depending on the size and brand. For example, a half keg of Dos Equis Amber costs approximately $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit is $220 plus deposit. A half-barrel keg of Bud Light can range from $79 to $139, depending on the market, with distributors' prices varying by state and market.

Total Wine & More also offers special orders for kegs that are not regularly stocked. Customers can inquire with customer service to place orders for specific craft or import beers. Additionally, they provide tap and tub rentals, as well as accessories like tubs, ice, cups, beer glassware, and snacks.

When purchasing a keg, it is important to consider the type of coupler required. The Sankey keg, for example, is a popular choice among commercial brewers, featuring a single port for dispensing beer and allowing gas into the keg. Total Wine & More associates can assist customers in determining the correct coupler for their keg and provide rentals for the proper coupler.

Local distributors and wholesale suppliers

When it comes to local distributors and wholesale suppliers of craft beer kegs, there are a few key options to consider. Firstly, it's worth checking with local beverage stores and warehouses in your area. These businesses often have a wide selection of beer kegs available for purchase and may be able to special order items that they don't regularly stock. Distributors such as Total Wine & More offer a range of kegs for various occasions, and their website provides helpful advice on keg care and cost considerations.

Additionally, there are wholesale beer suppliers and distributors that specialise in craft beer. These suppliers often have an extensive range of beers, including craft options, and can provide rotational selections to keep up with the latest trends. Inn Express, for example, prides itself on offering a wide selection of beers, including craft beers from leading and independent breweries. They stock well-known brands such as Tiny Rebel, Beavertown, and Vocation, as well as beers from smaller breweries, ensuring a diverse range of styles and flavours.

Dayla Drinks is another UK-based wholesale supplier recognised for its extensive selection of cask beers, including national, regional, and microbreweries. With over 400 cask beers on offer, they support local breweries and seek out new and unusual beers to provide their customers with a unique and ever-changing range.

It's important to note that the availability of specific craft beer kegs may depend on your location and the distribution rules in your market. If a local distributor doesn't carry the brand or beer you're looking for, they may not be able to order it until the brewery gains distribution in your area. However, some wholesalers, such as Inn Express, allow you to order beers they don't usually stock, so it's worth enquiring about special orders if you have a particular craft beer in mind.

Keg capacity and beer quantity

Keg capacity and the quantity of beer you will need are important factors to consider when buying craft beer kegs. The size of the keg you need will depend on the number of people you are serving, the duration of your event, and the drinking habits of your guests. For instance, for a three-hour party with average drinkers, you will need about 408 beers, whereas for the same duration with heavy drinkers, you should plan for 600 beers.

Kegs come in various sizes, and the most common ones are based on the barrel, which is equal to 31 gallons. The half-barrel keg, with a capacity of 15.5 gallons, is a staple in high-volume bars and large events. It can provide about 165 12-ounce servings or approximately 124 pints. This is the typical keg that comes to mind when thinking of a beer keg.

If you are hosting a smaller gathering or have limited storage space, a quarter-barrel keg (also known as a pony or stubby quarter keg) is a better option. With a capacity of 7.75 gallons, it can provide approximately 82 12-ounce servings or about 62 pints. This shorter version of the standard keg is perfect when you want to offer a variety of beers without committing to a full keg.

For craft breweries and specialty beers, the sixth-barrel keg (also called a sixtel) is ideal. With a capacity of 5.16 gallons, it allows for a diverse selection of beers without the risk of them going stale. This size is becoming increasingly popular for craft brewers offering small-batch experiments.

For homebrewers, the Corny Keg (or Cornelius Keg) is a popular choice due to its five-gallon capacity and ease of filling, cleaning, and maintenance. It typically provides about 53 12-ounce servings or approximately 40 pints.

When considering keg capacity and beer quantity, it is also important to note that the cost of a keg of beer depends on its size and brand. For example, a half keg of a particular brand may cost $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of a different brand may cost $220 plus deposit. Additionally, you may need to factor in the cost of cups and the proper coupler for your keg.

Cost of kegs and additional expenses

The cost of a keg of beer depends on the size, brand, and market. For example, 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 half-barrel keg of Bud Light can cost anywhere from $79 to $139, depending on the market (plus deposit). The price range exists because distributors, who sell the kegs to retailers, vary by state and market.

Craft beer keg prices can range from $100 to $200, with domestic kegs costing closer to $100. The standard U.S. keg size is the half-barrel, which is around 15.5 gallons, but European imports typically come in at 13.2 gallons. A 15.5-gallon keg (about 124 pints) for $150 with a 20% pour cost will yield a 16-ounce pint price of a bit over $6.

There are also mini-kegs (a.k.a. bubba kegs) that hold 1.32 gallons or 14 12-ounce beers. The Sankey keg, a popular choice among commercial brewers, has one port for dispensing beer and allowing gas into the keg. It requires a coupler, which is rented out with the keg order.

Additional expenses to consider when purchasing a keg include the cost of cups, as well as the cost of maintaining the ideal pressure to avoid foamy beer. Draft service also means higher overhead costs, including the cost of someone pouring the beer, installing and maintaining draft lines, and equipment like CO2 and nitrogen.

Maintaining keg freshness

Kegs are best on the day they are filled at the brewery. As time passes, the beer will slowly start to taste less fresh. The average keg has 25-40 days of shelf life at retail or at home. A general rule to keep in mind is that as soon as the keg is filled at the brewery, the "freshness clock" starts.

To maintain freshness, it is important to keep the keg at the right temperature and pressure. The recommended temperature to store your keg is 38°F. Try not to go too much above or below that temperature. If the temperature rises above this, your beer may become foamier as the warmer temperature liberates carbon dioxide too quickly, causing excessive foam and stale beer. If the temperature rises above 55°F, then bacteria will likely start to grow, spoiling the beer. If you keep the temperature too cold, the beer will retain its carbonation, and you won't be able to experience the true flavour and aroma of each pour. If the temperature falls below 28°F, then your beer will likely freeze.

Using a kegerator with CO2 to dispense your beer will keep it fresher for much longer. This is because the keg remains pressurized, but avoids oxidation. In this case, your beer can remain fresh for months, but the time depends on the beer itself. For pasteurized beer, it will likely last for at least three months, or maybe even six if stored at the correct temperatures. For non-pasteurized beer, it will be around two months.

To clean a keg, fill it with 1 gallon of hot water and 1 tsp of cleaner (e.g. PBW, B-Brite). Seal the keg and apply a small amount of CO2 to ensure it is pressurized. Shake the keg back and forth to ensure it is rinsed. Connect the liquid disconnect to the keg and allow the cleaning solution to run out. Once most of the cleaner has left the keg, remove the disconnect, depressurize the keg and empty any remaining cleaner. Rinse the keg thoroughly with clean water. Add sanitizer, seal the keg and pressurize. Shake the keg to ensure everything is coated with sanitizer. Let the keg sit for a few moments. Finally, connect the liquid disconnect to the keg and allow the sanitizer to rinse the pickup tube.

Frequently asked questions