The Different Kinds of Kegs
When it comes to purchasing kegs, it’s important to understand the different types of kegs available. Each keg has a different capacity and purpose, which can help you decide what kind of keg is right for your needs.
1. Cornelius Keg
The Cornelius Keg, also known as a “Corny Keg”, was originally used in the soda industry. Today, it’s a popular choice for home brewers due to its smaller size and compatibility with a variety of kegerators. A Cornelius Keg typically holds 5 gallons of liquid, which is equivalent to 40 pints.
2. Sixth Barrel Keg
The Sixth Barrel Keg, also known as a “Sixtel”, is a popular choice for small gatherings and home use. It’s half the size of a Quarter Barrel Keg and typically holds 5.16 gallons of liquid, which equals approximately 42 pints.
3. Quarter Barrel Keg
The Quarter Barrel Keg is the most common keg used in the US. It’s also known as a “Pony Keg” and typically holds 7.75 gallons of liquid, equivalent to 62 pints.
4. Slim Quarter Keg
The Slim Quarter Keg is a newer type of keg that’s becoming increasingly popular due to its slim design. It holds the same amount of liquid as a Quarter Barrel Keg (7.75 gallons), but it’s taller and slimmer, making it easier to fit in a smaller space. This keg size is equivalent to 62 pints.
5. 50 Litre Keg
The 50 Litre Keg is commonly used in Europe and is slowly making its way to the United States. It holds approximately 13.2 gallons of liquid, equivalent to 105 pints.
6. Half Barrel Keg
The Half Barrel Keg, also known as a “Full Keg”, is the largest keg size available. It holds 15.5 gallons of liquid, which is equivalent to 124 pints. This keg size is commonly used for large events and parties.
How Many Pints in a Keg?
When planning an event or gathering where beer is involved, it’s important to understand how many pints of beer you can expect to get from each keg size. The number of pints per keg can vary depending on the size of the keg and the size of the glass used to serve the beer.
1. Cornelius Keg
According to YourBeerInfo, a Cornelius Keg typically holds 5 gallons of liquid, which is equivalent to 40 pints. This means that you can expect to get 40 16-ounce glasses of beer from a Cornelius Keg.
2. Sixth Barrel Keg
According to YourBeerInfo, a Sixth Barrel Keg typically holds 5.16 gallons of liquid, which is equivalent to approximately 42 pints. This means that you can expect to get 42 16-ounce glasses of beer from a Sixth Barrel Keg.
3. Quarter Barrel Keg
According to KegWorks, a Quarter Barrel Keg typically holds 7.75 gallons of liquid, which is equivalent to 62 pints. This means that you can expect to get 62 16-ounce glasses of beer from a Quarter Barrel Keg.
4. Slim Quarter Keg
A Slim Quarter Keg holds the same amount of liquid as a Quarter Barrel Keg (7.75 gallons), which is equivalent to 62 pints.
5. 50 Litre Keg
According to USA Today, a 50 Litre Keg holds approximately 13.2 gallons of liquid, equivalent to 105 pints. This means that you can expect to get 105 16-ounce glasses of beer from a 50 Litre Keg.
6. Half Barrel Keg
According to KegWorks, a Half Barrel Keg holds 15.5 gallons of liquid, which is equivalent to 124 pints. This means that you can expect to get 124 16-ounce glasses of beer from a Half Barrel Keg.
7. Glass Size
It’s important to note that the number of pints per keg can vary depending on the size of the glass used to serve the beer. A standard pint glass holds 16 ounces of liquid, while a smaller glass may only hold 12 ounces. If you plan on using smaller glasses, you can expect to get more glasses of beer from each keg. Conversely, if you plan on using larger glasses, you can expect to get fewer glasses of beer from each keg.
How to Choose the Right Keg Size
Choosing the right keg size can be tricky, especially if you’re not sure how many people will be attending your event or how much beer they’ll drink. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right keg size.
1. Number of Guests
The number of guests you’re expecting is the most important factor to consider when choosing the right keg size. As a general rule, you should plan on serving two drinks per person per hour. This means that if you’re expecting 50 guests and your event will last for four hours, you should plan on serving around 400 pints of beer.
2. Type of Event
The type of event you’re hosting can also impact your keg size decision. If you’re hosting a large party or wedding reception, a Half Barrel Keg or 50 Litre Keg may be the best choice. For smaller events, such as backyard barbecues or birthday parties, a Sixth Barrel Keg or Quarter Barrel Keg may be more appropriate.
3. Variety of Beer
If you plan on serving multiple types of beer at your event, you may want to consider purchasing multiple kegs in smaller sizes. This will give your guests more variety and allow them to try different types of beer.
4. Storage Space
Kegs can take up a lot of space, so it’s important to consider your storage space when choosing the right keg size. A Half Barrel Keg can be difficult to store in a small space, so you may want to consider a smaller keg size if storage is an issue.
5. Budget
Kegs can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget when choosing the right keg size. A Half Barrel Keg may be more expensive than a Sixth Barrel Keg, so you’ll need to weigh the cost against the number of guests you’re expecting and the amount of beer you’ll need.
6. Return Policy
Before purchasing a keg, it’s important to check the return policy of the store or brewery where you plan to purchase it. Some places may not accept returns or may charge a restocking fee, so it’s important to know the policy before making your purchase.
Tips for Serving Beer from a Keg
Serving beer from a keg can be a little more complicated than just opening a bottle or can. Here are some tips to ensure that your kegged beer is served properly.
1. Store the Keg Properly
Before serving beer from a keg, it’s important to make sure that it’s been stored properly. Kegs should be stored in a cool place, ideally between 36-40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the keg is stored at a higher temperature, the beer can become foamy and may not taste as good.
2. Tap the Keg Correctly
Tapping a keg can be tricky, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure that the beer flows properly. Make sure the keg is properly chilled before tapping it. Before tapping the keg, release the pressure valve to ensure that there is no excess pressure in the keg. Once the keg is properly tapped, open the tap slowly to avoid too much foam.
3. Use the Right Glassware
Choosing the right glassware is important when serving beer from a keg. Use clean, dry glasses that are free from any debris or residue. The right glass can also enhance the flavor and aroma of the beer. For example, a pilsner glass is great for serving lagers, while a tulip glass is perfect for serving Belgian-style beers.
4. Monitor the Temperature
It’s important to monitor the temperature of the beer as it’s being served. If the temperature is too warm, the beer can become foamy and may not taste as good. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the beer as it’s being served.
5. Pour the Beer Correctly
Pouring beer from a keg can be a little different than pouring from a bottle or can. To pour the perfect pint, tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and slowly pour the beer down the side of the glass. Once the glass is about half full, slowly straighten the glass and pour the beer down the middle to create a nice head.
6. Clean the Tap System Regularly
To ensure that your kegged beer tastes great every time, it’s important to clean the tap system regularly. This will help remove any buildup or debris that can affect the taste of the beer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the tap system, or hire a professional to do it for you.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, knowing how many pints are in a keg and how to choose the right keg size is important when planning an event or gathering where beer is involved. By considering factors such as the number of guests, type of event, and budget, you can ensure that you have the right amount of beer for your event.
Once you’ve chosen the right keg size, it’s important to store the keg properly, tap it correctly, and serve it at the right temperature. By following these tips, you can ensure that your kegged beer tastes great every time.
Thank you for reading our guide on how many pints are in a keg and how to choose the right keg size. We hope you found this information helpful. Be sure to check out our other great content for more tips and advice on everything related to beer.
Common Questions
Q.Who typically serves beer from a keg?
A.Beer from a keg is often served at parties, weddings, and other events.
Q.What is the most common keg size?
A.Half Barrel Kegs, which hold around 15.5 gallons or 165 12-ounce beers, are the most common keg size.
Q.How many pints of beer are in a Half Barrel Keg?
A.A Half Barrel Keg contains 124 pints of beer.
Q.What if I don’t finish the keg before it goes bad?
A.If you don’t finish the keg before the beer goes bad, you can try to use a beer saver system to preserve the beer.
Q.How do I transport a keg?
A.Kegs can be heavy and difficult to move. You can rent a hand truck or dolly to help you transport the keg.
Q.What is a kegerator?
A.A kegerator is a refrigerator that has been modified to hold and dispense kegged beer.