How to Purchase a Keg of Beer

Ahhh, a delicious cold one, by the gallon. Just right for a large group, or one seriously misguided overachiever. Know the basics and you'll be all set for the big event. Keep the keg on ice so it stays cool and it will be your best party buddy, maybe you can even practice some keg stands for old times sake.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Locate a liquor store, beer store or brewery in your area that sells kegs, and find out what's available. Do this one week in advance, in case they need to special order.

2. Decide how much beer you need. A pony (half) keg is 7.5 gallons and serves 27 people three 12-ounce servings each, and a full-size keg is 15.5 gallons and serves 55 people three 12-oz. servings each.

3. Choose between the less-expensive hand pump or the Cadillac-grade carbon dioxide pump.

4. Bring your driver's license, a credit card and a deposit to pay for the keg. You'll get your deposit back as long as you return the tank and tap.

5. Get your keg home. Some stores deliver; otherwise, get some heavy-lifters to help you hoist it to the party.

Tips & Warnings

• For a nominal fee or deposit, the store that sold you the keg may loan you a plastic tub to chill the beer. Ask them to throw in plastic cups, too.

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[dasbootjoe]

on 11/13/2008 Thanks!

[nickobrooks]

on 10/5/2008 ok, a friend offered us a keg which he had planned on using about a week ago, but it was never tapped. How long can I expect that an untapped keg of beer will last at room temperature without spoiling? It could save me some money if it is worth the risk.

[draftdrinker]

on 8/12/2008 You can purchase all types of kits to build kegerators, draft beer pumps and other draft beer equipment for tapdraft.com

[liquorsuit]

on 12/17/2006 Its easy to make your own kegerator and a lot cheaper than buying a pre-made one. I bought all the equipment at Kegworks. The kit cost me under $200. I asked around and found a coworker who had an old working fridge in his basement. All I had to do was haul it away. I am now drinking a nice cold draft.

on 8/29/2006 Having the right equipment is super important to having the perfect keg party. You can get a tap from your local liquor/beer store, but I guarantee that you'll be spending more time and getting upset (probably worse when you already had a few) about pumping out warm and foamy beer. So here are some alternatives to that awful tap and a bucket of ice and water for the keg:

Jockey Box - it is some ice/water and a stainless steel coil. Beer goes through it and chills it before it comes out. Pros: not that expensive. Cons: get foam when keg is agitated.

Cold Plate - it is stainless steel or aluminum plates that is chilled to temperature and is completely submersed in ice and water. Keg sits on top of the plate so that beer is chilled at the bottom of the keg where the beer leaves and goes up through the middle of the keg. Pros: not that expensive. Cons: works for a short period of time, especially when the keg is warm.

Chiller - proprietary technology from icefloe Technologies. It is a variation of the Jockey Box that allows you to pour ice cold foam free beer even if the keg is agitated and/or warm. Pros: ice cold beer anywhere anytime. Cons: a bit pricey.

Kegerator - a small fridge converted to specifically house one keg to pour ice cold beer. Pros: pours ice cold beer when keg is settled. Cons: definitely pricey and definitely not portable.