How Much Beer Is In a Keg?
Sourced: Webstaurant Store
What Is a Keg?
A keg is a container designed to hold and serve large quantities of beer, cider, and other alcoholic or carbonated drinks. These containers are typically cylindrical in shape and come in various sizes. Most kegs are pressurized, preventing carbon dioxide leakage and keeping their contents carbonated. Due to their capacity and portability, kegs lend themselves to a wide range of settings including local bars, wedding receptions, and music festivals.
Types of Kegs
There are many different keg styles, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep your favorite brew fresh. We’ll walk you through the different types of kegs and how much beer they hold below. It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific dimensions and design of the keg.
1. Half Barrel Keg
A half-barrel keg, sometimes called a full keg, is the most widely used and commonly distributed keg. It is the largest type of keg and lends itself large-scale events or operations. The half-barrel keg is compatible with most commercial draft systems, making it easy to integrate into your existing setup. Its standard dimensions allow for seamless installation and replacement, ensuring a smooth operation for your business.
How Many Beers In a Half Keg?
- Capacity of a half barrel keg: 15.5 gallons
- Pints in a half barrel keg: 124 pints
- Bottles in a half barrel keg: 165 bottles
2. Quarter Barrel Keg
Also known as a pony keg or stubby quarter keg, this compact keg is designed for occasions when a full-sized keg is not necessary. They lend themselves to medium-sized businesses or events. One of the advantages of a quarter barrel keg is its footprint. It has the same circumference as a half keg but is only half the height, making it much easier to maneuver and store.
How Many Beers In a Quarter Barrel Keg?
- Capacity of a quarter barrel keg: 7.75 gallons
- Pints in a quarter barrel keg: 62 pints
- Bottles in a quarter barrel keg: 82 bottles
3. Slim Quarter Keg
Slim quarter kegs are a smaller footprint version of a standard quarter keg. While a regular quarter keg holds the same amount of beer, the slim version offers a space-saving solution for those tight on storage space. One of the main advantages of a slim quarter keg is its ability to fit into smaller refrigerators or kegerators. It’s the perfect option for businesses that want to offer an expanded drink selection.
How Many Beers In a Slim Quarter Keg?
- Capacity of a slim quarter keg: 7.75 gallons
- Pints in a slim quarter keg: 62 pints
- Bottles in a slim quarter keg: 82 bottles
4. Sixth Barrel Keg
Also known as a sixtel keg or log keg, the sixth barrel keg is often used in microbreweries. They are the ideal choice for those looking to offer a variety of beers on tap without taking up too much space. With its small footprint, the sixth barrel keg can easily fit into various types of kegerators.
How Many Beers In a Sixth Barrel Keg?
- Capacity of a sixth barrel keg: 5.2 gallons
- Pints in a sixth barrel keg: 41 pints
- Bottles in a sixth barrel keg: 55 bottles
5. Cornelius Keg
Also known as the homebrew keg, the Cornelius keg was first utilized by the soft drink industry before quickly being adopted by breweries. These kegs are perfect for those who prefer to brew smaller quantities of beer and experiment with different recipes. The reduced quantity of beer in a Cornelius keg makes it easier to handle and store. Whether you’re a home brewer looking to share your creations with friends and family or you’re a brewery owner seeking to expand your tap beer options, the Cornelius keg provides a convenient solution.
How Many Beers In a Cornelius Keg?
- Capacity of a Cornelius keg: 5 gallons
- Pints in a Cornelius keg: 40 pints
- Bottles in a Cornelius keg: 53 bottles
6. Mini Keg
A mini keg is the smallest type of commercial keg. Sometimes called bubba kegs, mini kegs are easy to transport thanks to their compact size and lightweight construction. Whether you’re catering a small event or sampling your newest brew, these kegs are the ideal vessel for storing small quantities of beer. Mini kegs are frequently used with mini kegerators, ensuring your brew is always at the correct temperature.
How Many Beers In a Mini Keg?
- Capacity of a mini keg: 1.32 gallons
- Pints in a mini keg: 10 pints
- Bottles in a mini keg: 14 bottles
Beer Keg FAQ
We’ll answer some of the most common questions about beer kegs below.
How Long Does a Keg Last?
Pasteurized draft beer, heated to kill off bacteria or yeast, will generally last 3 to 4 months in a keg. Unpasteurized draft beer, which retains its live yeast, typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Proper storage is the key to making your beer last as long as possible. Kegs should be kept refrigerated at all times to maintain the quality of the beer inside. Warm temperatures can speed up the aging process and cause the beer to become flat and stale.
It’s important to note that the countdown for a keg’s shelf life begins when it is first filled at the brewery, not when you purchase it. When serving draft beer at a party or event, check the keg’s packaging and verify when it was filled.
What Are Beer Kegs Made Of?
The two most common keg materials are stainless steel and aluminum. Continue reading to learn about both types and what sets them apart.
- Stainless steel beer kegs: Stainless steel kegs are known for their durability. They feature excellent insulating properties, allowing you to keep beer cold for long periods.
- Aluminum beer kegs: One of the main advantages of aluminum kegs is that they preserve the taste of the beer better than other materials. These kegs are also lighter than their stainless steel counterparts, making them easier to transport.