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!
