A half barrel keg, otherwise known as a full-size keg, is 15.5″ in diameter and 23.3″ in height. It is usually referred to as a half-barrel because it is equal to half a barrel of beer, which is equal to 15.
5 gallons or roughly124 pints of beer. Due to their size and weight, these kegs must be handled carefully. They are widely used in bars, restaurants, and home bars, not to mention in microbreweries and pubs.
What is a 5 gallon keg called?
A 5 gallon keg is typically referred to as a Cornelius keg, or a Corny keg. The use of the term “Cornelius” comes from the original manufacturer of the keg, the Cornelius Company, who first developed the system in the 1960s.
Cornelius kegs are the most popular size for homebrewers and typically hold five gallons of liquid. These kegs are approximately 14.5″ in height and 8.5″ in diameter, and have a single rubber top and valve at the top.
In addition to homebrewers, they are also frequently used in soda systems and are commonly used to serve beer and other beverages.
How big is a Budweiser keg?
A standard Budweiser keg is 15.5 gallons, or approximately 1,984 ounces. It also holds approximately 124 pints of beer. The typical Budweiser keg is 16.5 inches in diameter and 23.3 inches high, weighing approximately 160 pounds when full.
A “half barrel” Budweiser keg contains approximately 7.75 gallons of beer, enough to fill approximately 63 12-ounce glasses.
How much is a full keg of beer?
The cost of a full keg of beer will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, the brand and type of beer, and the size of the keg. Generally, a full keg of beer will cost between $50 and $200, with prices typically ranging between $70 and $150.
The size of a keg can vary, with sizes ranging from ¼ barrels, which are 7.75 gallons, and ½ barrels, which are 15.5 gallons. The average price for a standard ½ barrel keg of beer is $124.99. Typically, you will be able to get a better deal buying beer in bulk and purchasing a full keg versus buying individual bottles from the store.
It is important to note that all beer kegs are considered non-refundable, so be sure to plan ahead for the occasion to make sure you are getting the best deal.
How long does beer last in a keg?
The length of time that beer can be left in a keg before losing its freshness and flavor depends on a few factors, such as the type of beer, the carbonation level, and how it’s stored. Typically, a high-gravity beer lasts the longest, as it has a higher alcohol content and more flavor.
Additionally, beers with higher carbonation levels tend to last longer, since the carbon dioxide helps keep the beer fresh for a longer period of time.
If stored properly, most beers can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months in a keg. However, if the keg has been exposed to sunlight, heat, or any other source of oxygen, the beer will start to deteriorate more quickly.
Additionally, if the keg isn’t sealed tightly and air gets inside, the beer can be spoiled within days.
To maximize the life of the beer, it’s best to store the keg in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, and to keep the tap sealed shut when not in use.
How many people does a keg serve?
The amount of people that a keg can serve depends on the size of the keg and the typical amount that a person drinks. A standard keg contains 15.5 gallons of beer, and there are roughly 248 12-ounce servings in a standard keg.
That equates to about 165 16-ounce pints of beer. Thus, the typical estimate for how many people a full keg can serve is around 165. However, some people may choose to drink more than others, and so the number of people that can be served is likely to vary based on the preferences of the people in attendance.
How do you keep a keg cold?
Keeping a keg cold is an essential part of enjoying your beer or other beverages, as temperature can greatly affect the flavor and carbonation. To keep your keg cold, there are several options available.
The simplest way to keep a keg cold is to keep it outside or in a refrigerator or freezer. If keeping it in a refrigerator or freezer, you’ll need to ensure the temperature stays cool enough. You’ll also need to ensure the keg fits in the fridge or freezer as space can be limited.
You’ll also need to ensure the temperature remains consistent, or the beer may become foamy.
Another popular method of keeping your keg cold is with a kegerator. A kegerator is a refrigerator specifically designed to hold kegs of beer and keep them cold. This can be a great way to keep your keg cold and also save space in your regular refrigerator.
If you’re preparing for a party, you can also opt for a keg bucket or keg coolers. These are designed to keep a keg cold for extended periods of time and can be convenient if you don’t have enough room for a larger refrigerator.
Finally, you can also invest in a keg dispenser or keg wrapper. Keg dispensers often have insulation built in and are designed to dispense beer at a consistent temperature. Keg wrappers are often made of neoprene and simply slide onto the keg to keep it cold.
While keeping your beer cold is important, it’s also important to keep it clean. Be sure to regularly clean and sanitize your beer lines and keg tap for best results.
What are the different sizes of kegs?
Kegs come in a variety of sizes, depending on the type of beverage they are meant to store and dispense. The most common sizes of kegs are as follows:
1/2 barrel (full-size): This is the typical keg size, and it typically holds 15.5 gallons or 124 pints of beer.
1/4 barrel (pony or stubby): This keg holds 7.75 gallons, or 62 pints of beer.
1/6 barrel (tall or torpedo): This keg holds 5.17 gallons, or 41 pints of beer.
Slim quarter: This keg holds 7 gallons, or 56 pints of beer.
Mini (or five-liter): This is the smallest available keg and holds 1.32 gallons, or just over 10 pints of beer.
Cornelius (or corny): This is a type of keg used to store and dispense soda syrup from. It holds 5 gallons, or 40 pints.
There are also other specialty and larger kegs, such as the sixth-barrel and half-barrel. These are rare, but they are occasionally used for specialty applications.
What is the difference between PIN lock and ball lock kegs?
A PIN lock keg typically has a set of connectors near the top of the keg that uses pins that must be depressed in order to allow the liquid inside to flow. Each PIN is connected to a valve that is used to allow the liquid to flow out of the keg into a glass or mug.
PIN lock kegs are typically used with pressurized gas systems, such as CO2 and Nitrogen.
On the other hand, a ball lock keg uses a type of connecting valve referred to as a “latch”, or “spring loaded valve. ” This latch extends from the keg and is connected to both a gas line and the liquid line.
When the latch is pushed down, both the gas and the liquid lines are connected and flow freely from the keg. Ball lock kegs are designed to be used in either pressurized or unpressurized systems, while PIN lock kegs are only intended to be used with pressurized systems.
How do I know if my keg is aluminum or stainless steel?
If you’re unsure whether your keg is aluminum or stainless steel, there are several ways to tell the difference. Often, the material of a keg will be printed on the exterior or can be determined by a magnet test.
If the keg is magnetic, it is generally made of steel, while if it is not, it is likely made of aluminum. Additionally, aluminum kegs tend to be lighter and more prone to denting than steel kegs. If you take a look at the inside of the keg, the metal may be flaking off of the aluminum keg, whereas stainless steel is much more durable and doesn’t rust or corrode.
Finally, close inspection of the base of the keg can often provide an indication of the material. Steel kegs usually have seams that are welded along the side, and the finish on the outside is smooth and uniform.
Aluminum, on the other hand, has ripples created by casting, and the exterior has a brushed finish.
What is a Sankey keg?
A Sankey keg is a type of keg developed by the German brewer, Ludwig “Louis” Sankey. They are the most common type of keg used in North America, particularly within the craft beer industry.
Sankey kegs are cylindrical shaped, typically made out of stainless steel, and come in sizes ranging from 5, 10, 15, and 20 gallons. They are equipped with a single wall and a drop-in top, making them an ideal vessel for storing and dispensing beer, wine, cider and other carbonated beverages.
Sankey kegs are designed to be free-standing and are equipped with two valves, a male and female side, for connecting the keg to the draft system and lines.
Kegs of this design have become popular for not only breweries, but also for home brewers, commercial establishments and anywhere that kegs are necessary for serving large amounts of beverages. Unlike other keg types, Sankey kegs require specific couplers for connecting to the draft system, and are considered to be more secure and reliable vessels for storing and dispensing beer than other keg types.
Is a half-barrel the same as a keg?
No, a half-barrel and a keg are not necessarily the same thing. A half-barrel is a type of beer container that is typically 15.5 gallons or 58.67 liters in size and is the standard size for large-format storage of a variety of beers including lager, ale, and stout.
A keg, on the other hand, could refer to a variety of beer containers. Depending on the size and quantity of beer, a keg could range from 1/4 barrel (7.75 gallons/29.3 liters) all the way up to a full barrel (31 gallons/117 liters).
Therefore, a half-barrel is only one type of keg, among others.
How many kegs do I need for 50 people?
It depends on how much beer each person drinks and how much beer each keg holds. If you’re planning a moderate-drinking party and each person drinks one beer over the course of the evening, you’ll need at least 50 beers, or 2.6 gallons.
If each keg holds 15.5 gallons, you’ll need at least two kegs for 50 people. That said, it’s usually a good idea to plan for more kegs than you think you’ll need. If you anticipate your guests will consume more than one or two beers each, then you should plan on acquiring another keg or two.
This will help ensure you have enough beer to last throughout the evening and you don’t run out prematurely.
Is it better to buy a keg or cases of beer?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, buying a keg may be the better choice if you have a large group of people, such as at a party or gathering. Kegs take up less space than several cases of beer, so they are a more economical solution.
Additionally, kegs often provide a better variety of higher quality beer than buying cases, making them the preferred choice for events where quality matters.
On the other hand, buying cases of beer may be better for smaller groups, or for those who don’t need a large quantity of beer. Cases are more convenient as they are less bulky and easier to transport, and you can usually find a variety of beers in smaller quantities.
Additionally, buying cases of beer is generally cheaper than buying a keg, and in some cases, even easier to get.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a keg or cases of beer will depend on your specific needs. Consider the size of the group, the types of beer available, and the cost to find the best solution for your event.
Can you tap a keg twice?
Yes, you can tap a keg twice. The process for tapping a keg is actually quite simple. First, you will need to make sure the keg is properly chilled and that the tap is attached to the keg. If you are unsure of the tap or keg, contact the supplier or brewery for more information.
Next, start by pressing the tap into the keg until it locks in. It might take a few tries to lock in correctly. Then, you will need to press the release nozzle to pour the beer. Make sure you have a cup or glass handy to collect the beer.
Once you have finished tapping the keg, some beer may remain in the tap. Make sure to release the gas pressure before you completely remove the tap. You can then re-attach the tap to the keg and pour another round of beers.
Does a keg go bad after you tap it?
As a general rule, it is best not to leave a keg tapped for more than a month after it is first opened. This is because the carbon dioxide that was used to pressurize the keg will slowly escape over time.
If the gas is allowed to escape, the beer in the keg will also start to lose its carbonation and can become stale. Additionally, leaving a tapped keg for an extended period of time can create a buildup of bacteria which can contaminate the beer and make it unfit to drink.
Refrigerating a tapped keg can help to limit the effects of oxidation and slow down the loss of carbonation and flavor. For this reason, it is generally recommended that a keg be tapped no more than one month before it is completely finished to ensure the best possible quality and taste.
How long should a keg sit before tapping?
Generally, it is recommended to wait between 24 and 48 hours after initially setting up a keg before tapping it. This allows time for the beer to settle and the carbon dioxide to become properly dissolved into the liquid.
It is also important to make sure the temperature of the beer is cold before tapping; ideally, between 35-38°F. If needed, you can add additional cooling time to ensure the beer is cold before tapping.
In some cases, depending on the specific beer, it may even be necessary to wait a few days to allow for additional conditioning of the beer before tapping.
Does keg beer need to be refrigerated?
Yes, keg beer needs to be refrigerated to ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful. Kegging beer allows for it to remain fresh for up to four weeks without compromising flavor, as long as it’s stored and served at a consistent temperature of between 35°F and 45°F.
This colder temperature helps to slow down the aging process and prevents any off flavors, including oxidation, from affecting the beer. It’s also important to remember that keg beer should not be stored near any heat sources.
Heat will cause beer to spoil faster and can result in a bad tasting beer. Additionally, storing keg beer at room temperature causes incredible amounts of foam and may over-carbonate the beer, resulting in flat and tasteless beer.
To prevent this, it is essential to keep all keg beer refrigerated at all times.
What can I do with leftover beer in a keg?
One of the most popular options is to turn it into craft beer. You could use the beer in the keg to make your own beer at home. All you need is a few simple supplies and the patience to wait for the beer to ferment.
You can find plenty of recipes online to get you started.
Another great option is to use the leftover beer to make different flavour-infused cocktails. All you need is your favourite mixer and the beer in the keg to create new and exciting drinks. You can experiment with adding different types of juices, spices, and herbs to create different flavour combinations.
If you don’t feel like having the beer straight away, you can freeze it and create homemade beer ice cubes. These cubes can be added to different types of snacks and drinks to give them an extra kick.
They are also a great addition to a craft beer shandy.
Finally, you can also repurpose the keg itself for other uses. If the keg is made of stainless steel, you can clean it up and use it to store cold beverages or make a beer-chilling kegerator. If the keg is made of plastic, you can use it as a container for your garden tools, potting soil, or peat moss.
The possibilities are endless!.
