EAST LANSING KEG BEER FAQ

Keg confusion getting you down?  Let's see if we can clear up some of the most frequently asked questions about Keg Beer.  First let's cover some basics.  Kegs come in many designs and sizes, and since there is no global standard we will be covering the standard American Keg.  The "half barrel"  is the most popular and standard keg in America.  This guide is pretty broad, covering even the basics of Kegs but we hope everyone who reads it might learn a thing or two! Also we've included a FULL list of keg retailers around East Lansing!

Standard Budweiser 1/2 Barrel

KEG

• Height of keg - 23.3 inches
• Diameter of keg - 16.1–17.15627 inches
• Contents - 1984.0 U.S. fluid ounces
• 15.5 U.S. gallons / 58.7 liters
• Full keg weight 160.5 pounds (72.8 kg)
• Empty keg weight 29.7 pounds (13.5 kg)
• Beer weight 130.8 pounds (59.3 kg)
• 24×12 fl oz case equivalent 6.9 cases
• 12 fl oz servings 165.6
• 16 fl oz (1 U.S. pint) servings 124

TAPPING

This part is essential and usually causes a lot of confusion.  First off, if you can't figure out how to fit the coupler onto the keg you probably shouldn't be on this website. Second let's ask ourselves the important question.  "What causes foamy keg beer?" There are primarily 3 things will cause your keg to foam up, resulting in bad pours.

The classic pump keg tap!

1. Temperature - If you buy a cold keg and it deviates several degrees this will cause excessive foam. Get the keg back to a proper temp of around 38 degrees. (The reason for this is that beer stored at 38 degrees F will retain the level of carbonation that was created during the brewing process.) When temperature has stabilized tap the keg.
2. Agitation - Securely transport your keg, any agitation will cause foam.  Give the Keg 10 minutes or so if it's been sloshing around.
3. Proper pressure - First thing you should do is pour a pitcher without any pumping to level out the pressure, then once the pressure gets low apply 2-3 pumps. Then repeat as necessary, there's no reason to build up excess pressure.

Here's a great note on keg freshness and party taps that we found very interesting...

"Party pumps utilize outside air, which introduces bacteria inside the keg and will certainly introduce oxygen, which will cause the beer to oxidize, creating a wet cardboard taste, therefore reducing the quality of the beer. Kegs operating a party pump should be used within 18–24 hours otherwise the beer may become unpalatable."

Please note that there are several different keg couplers, since we are focusing on the standard 1/2 barrel which uses a D Style American Sankey tap. This will fit on most North American beers. Breweries such as: Budweiser, Coors, Miller, Labatt and Molson use American Sankey "D" coupler kegs. (Make sure to ask what coupler works with what keg you buy, you'd hate to get home and have a party tap that won't fit!)

RESOURCES

Where can I buy kegs near East Lansing?

Big 10 Party Store East (1108 E Grand River East Lansing, MI 48823(517) 351-5621)
Big 10 Party Store West "Oades"(314 South Clippert Street, Lansing, MI 48912 (517) 332-4551)
Big 10 Okemos (2950 E. Jolly Rd Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 337-7572)
Michigan Brew Co. (402 S Washington Sq, Lansing, MI (517) 977-1349)
Village Market *They Deliver Kegs* (16800 Chandler Road, East Lansing, MI (517) 351-0551)
Tom's Party Store (2778 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823-4711 (517) 332-4614 ‎)
Quality Dairy Co 1109 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823-4613 (517) 319-4129 ‎

Standard Party 4" Pump Keg Tap - From our experience this is the best tap under 50$
Beer tap / line cleaner kit - This cleaner works very well for lines and taps.
Kegco Deluxe Conversion Kit - This is the best conversion kit out there for around 150$

FAQ

An example of Keg Prices at Oades Big 10 party store. For current prices visit their website.

Q. How much does it cost for a 1/2 barrel of "Party beer"?

A. Prices range between 60$ and 90$ for "Party beer" BEFORE deposit(s).

Q. What is "Party beer"?

A. Busch, Bud, Keystone, PBR, Molson, Labatt etc...

Q. What does the "deposit" entail?

A. When you buy a keg of beer you must pay a deposit on the actual keg, which varies from 20-30$ However you get your deposit returned either in cash or on your card for the initial amount.

Q. Do i have to buy my own tap?
A. Most stores will rent you a tap and expect you return it with the keg for around a 20-30$ deposit.

Q. So if I don't have a tap or a prior keg deposit purchasing a 1/2 barrel will cost around 120$-150$?
A. Yes

Q. Whats the price break down on a 1/2 barrel of Bud Light?

A. If you rent a tap and pay deposit on a keg = ~90 cents per 12 oz.
If you rent a tap and have a previous deposit on a keg = ~72 cents per 12 oz.
If you have a tap and a previous deposit on a keg = ~53 cents per 12 oz.
If you have a tap and previous keg deposit and buy Busch Lite = ~37 cents per 12 oz.

Q. Who has the best keg prices in East Lansing? Who has the best selection?

A. Big 10 "Oades" and "East" sell the most kegs so their prices are usually the lowest.  Just about any major party store can order what you want, just give them a call 3-5 days ahead of time.

Q. The above breakdown is helpful but I'm still not sure the best way to buy kegs?

A. Good point, here's the best way to do it, if you plan on having a lot of keggers you should start by purchasing your own keg tap, this will save you 30$ of deposit hassle, and you know that your tap will be clean and free of taste impairing bacteria and grime.  Then  buy your kegs from places that allow you to hang on to your receipt and keg and bring both back whenever you want.

The advantage of this is simple, pay your initial deposit on keg "A" of 30$, hang on to the receipt and then when you need another keg return to the same store and "swap" your keg and receipt for keg "B".  This way you pay a 1 time deposit of 30$ and you "roll" your deposit, I've been doing this on kegs for nearly 4 years now. Just make sure to hang on to that receipt!  Also if you're really serious about keg beer, buy a kegerator and ditch the party pumps, ice, buckets and all that hassle for good!

CLOSING

Thanks for taking the time to read our article and we hope this clears up some of your FAQs on kegs!  As always, enjoy responsibly and hurray for beer!  Follow us on Facebook or Twitter while you're at it! Have a suggestion? Leave a comment!