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Kegs

If a 12-pack just won’t cut it, you’ve come to the right place!

From big brands like Budweiser to lesser-known brews, Dirt Cheap has you covered when it comes to kegs. While we don’t stock kegs at most locations, with a little notice we’ll get you whatever you need!

At Dirt Cheap, we make the keg buying process as simple as possible, but there are a few things you should know going in…

What size keg do I need?

You’ve got three options…

  • Sixth barrel – approximately 55 12-oz. or 41 16-oz. servings.  Weighs around 55 pounds when full.
  • Quarter barrel – approximately 82 12-oz. or 62 16-oz. servings.  Weighs around 87 pounds when full.
  • Half barrel – approximately 165 12-oz. or 124 16-oz. servings.  Weighs around 161 pounds when full.

What should I expect when I pick up my pre-ordered keg?

  • Price varies by location, but regardless of where you go, you’ll need to put down a refundable deposit. You’ll get that back upon return of the (empty of course) keg.
  • Like any other beer, you’re gonna get carded so be at least 21.
  • We cannot help you load the keg into your car.  If you haven’t been to the gym in a bit, you may want to bring a (also 21 year old) friend to help out.
  • Don’t forget the tub and ice!
  • All kegs have a traceable tag.  This tag must be left on so you can get your deposit back.

How do I take care of my keg?

  • Beer isn’t good shaken or stirred.  After you get your keg to your place, give it an hour or so to settle before tapping.
  • Kegs like the cold!  Try to keep it between 30-40 degrees. You’ll need to place the keg in a large bucket and cover it completely with ice.
  • Keg beer isn’t like the beer you get pre-packaged.  It’s not pasteurized, so it doesn’t last as long.  Beer in a bottle can sit for up to two months without a problem.  Once you tap a keg though, you’ve got about 24 hours before it starts going bad.
  • All tappers are NOT created equal.  In fact, let’s just move along to…

How do I tap a keg?

After you have your keg between 30-40 degrees and it’s settled for an hour, what do you do to get the beer out of there?

  • There are lots of kinds of kegs, but the most common are American (D-type) and European (A & M-type).
  • There are two common pump styles…American and slider pumps.  Make sure the pump matches the keg!  The good folks at your Dirt Cheap location can help you out here.
  • Check out the pump itself and the keg valve (top part that receives the pump) to make sure they’re squeaky clean and free of mold or damage.
  • Some pumps have levers to engage and others don’t.  All require a 90-degree turn to lock it in.
  • The pumps use air to push the beer out of the keg.  So, get to pumping and watch the beer start flowing!