Planning a party or event and need to know how much beer to provide? How big is a keg of beer, and how much does it cost? Buying a keg can be an affordable option for large groups looking for an economical way to buy large quantities of their favorite beer.
The average size of a keg holds approximately 15 ½ gallons, with prices varying depending on your location and the type of beer you choose. In this post, we’ll explore how much is a keg of beer along with tips for finding the best rates!
What Is Is A Keg Of Beer?
A keg of beer is a large, 15.5-gallon container filled with draft beer. It’s the same size container used by many bars and restaurants for serving draught beer to customers. Kegs come in various sizes from ⅛ barrel (which is 5.16 gallons) up to ½ barrel (15.5 gallons).
4 Factors To Consider When Buying A Keg Of Beer
1. Type of Beer: The type of beer you buy will have a big impact on the cost of your keg purchase. Domestic beers tend to be cheaper, with imported or craft beers costing more.
2. Size: Keg sizes vary from ⅛ barrel (which is 5.16 gallons) up to ½ barrel (15.5 gallons). Depending on the size of your party and how much beer will be consumed, you may want to choose a smaller keg size so that it doesn’t go to waste if not all the beer is consumed.
3. Location: Prices can vary significantly depending on location and availability in your area, so check prices from multiple sources before making your purchase decision.
4. Delivery Fees: If you’re planning to have the keg delivered, be sure to factor in delivery fees, which can vary depending on the location and size of the order.
How Much Is A Keg Of Beer?
The cost of a keg will vary depending on the type of beer, location and size. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a standard-size keg.
For example, the average price of a 1/2 barrel of Coors Light is about $130 in most states. Additionally, many stores charge a deposit for the keg itself that is refundable when you return it.
Tips For Finding Affordable Kegs
When buying a keg, there are several ways to get the best deal:
1. Buy In Bulk: Buying multiple kegs at once can help reduce your costs since some distributors offer discounts for bulk purchases.
2. Shop Around: Do some research to compare prices from different distributors in your local area.
3. Check for Discounts: Many stores offer discounts or promotions during certain times of the year, so be sure to check out any available specials.
4. Buy Refurbished Kegs: Consider looking into refurbished kegs as they often come at a significant discount compared to buying new ones.
5. Look Into Keg Sharing Programs: Several companies offer beer-sharing programs that allow you to rent a keg and split the cost with other people.
Can I Buy My Own Keg?
Yes, you can buy your own keg if you’d like to. However, it’s important to note that most states require a permit for purchasing and owning a keg of beer, so be sure to check with your local liquor authority before making a purchase.
Additionally, many stores also charge deposits on the kegs themselves, which can range anywhere from $50-$100 depending on the size and type of beer.
Can I Just Rent A Keg?
Yes, you can rent a keg of beer from several stores or suppliers. This is a great option if you’re not sure how much beer will be consumed at an event or gathering and would rather avoid the hassle of returning the keg afterwards.
Prices for renting vary widely depending on location and type of beer, with most ranging from $50-$100 per rental. Be sure to check with your local store for more information about their rental policies and fees.
Is Renting Cheaper Than Buying?
It depends on the amount of beer you’re looking to purchase and the type of beer available for rent. In some cases, renting may be more cost-effective than buying a keg, especially if you’re only planning to consume a small amount of beer.
However, if you plan to drink large amounts of beer or want premium craft beers, it may be cheaper to just buy the keg outright. Be sure to compare prices and rental fees before making your decision.
Regardless of whether you decide to buy or rent a keg, make sure that you have all the necessary permits in place beforehand and consider options like bulk purchasing and discounts when shopping around. Also keep in mind any potentially applicable deposit fees and the possibility of having to return the keg when done.
It’s also important to remember that renting a keg won’t necessarily guarantee you access to any sort of discounts or deals, like those found in bulk purchases. It may also require more time and effort on your part to make sure you get what you need.
Therefore, when it comes to deciding whether to rent or buy a keg of beer, you should consider all the factors involved and make an informed decision based on what makes most sense for your situation. So take the time to do your research and remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question!
Is A Kegerator Necessary For A Keg Of Beer?
A kegerator is not absolutely necessary for a keg of beer, but it can be a great way to keep your brew cool and carbonated. If you plan to store the keg in a traditional refrigerator or insulated container, make sure that it is able to fit inside properly before purchasing. Additionally, if you plan on hosting an outdoor event where the temperature may fluctuate throughout the day, a kegerator can be invaluable in keeping your beer at optimal temperatures.
Regardless of whether you decide to use a kegerator or not, always remember to keep your beer stored in cool and dark places away from direct sunlight–this will help preserve its flavor and aroma for longer periods of time.
Overall, there are many great options for both buying and renting kegs. Do your research beforehand to get the best deal possible and always remember to check with your local liquor authority for any permits or regulations that may apply. With proper planning, you can have access to amazing beer at a fraction of the cost.
Keg of beer vs. canned beer vs. bottled beer (comparisons)
Keg of beer
Kegs are great for large gatherings or events where you need a lot of beer on hand. They usually come in larger quantities than bottles or cans, they require less waste (just the keg once it’s finished), and they are much easier to transport. However, kegs can be expensive to rent or buy and require extra equipment like taps, couplers, and lines to serve.
Canned beer
Cans are often cheaper than bottles and take up less space while being easier to carry around. Additionally, some breweries offer special limited-run beers that only come in cans. On the downside, cans don’t last as long once opened and have higher levels of aluminum seepage than bottles.
Bottled beer
Bottles are usually more aesthetically pleasing and offer a wider variety of flavors, styles, and sizes. However, they can be expensive and require more space for storage.
FAQs
Q: How many beers come in a keg?
A: A standard-size (1/2 barrel) keg contains approximately 165 12-ounce beers. However, the exact number of beers will vary depending on the type and brand of beer you purchase.
Q: Do I need to return the keg when I’m done with it?
A: Most places will require you to return your empty keg within a certain time frame or pay an additional fee. Be sure to ask about any return policies before making your purchase.
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement for purchasing a keg?
A: Yes, most states require that you be 21 or over to purchase a keg. Be sure to check your state laws before making any purchases.
Q: Can I transport a keg in my car?
A: Most states allow the transportation of alcohol in vehicles as long as it is securely stored and out of reach from the driver. However, it is always best to check with your local laws before transporting a keg in your vehicle.
Q: How long does a keg stay fresh?
A: A keg can typically stay fresh for up to 4 weeks if stored properly at temperatures between 36-38°F. The exact shelf life will depend on the type of beer and how it is stored, so be sure you are aware of any expiration dates before purchasing a keg.
Q: Are kegs recyclable?
A: Yes, most kegs are made of metal and can be recycled. Be sure to check with your local recycling center for any special guidelines they may have in place regarding the disposal of a keg.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a keg of beer really depends on several factors, including the area you are living in and the type of beer. Some smaller breweries may be much cheaper than big-name options.
Generally speaking, though, it’s safe to assume that a keg of beer will run somewhere between $75 and $250 for domestic beers or craft beers. Depending on how much drinking you plan to do, it might make financial sense to consider buying kegs instead of bottles.
Ultimately though, whatever you decide is up to your budget and preference. We hope this article has given you an idea of how much a keg of beer can cost and that it’s helped you find which option is best for you.
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Chef Michael Correll began his restaurant career near his home in his teens as a pizza cook, but soon moved to Philadelphia where he first landed at Jones, an acclaimed Stephen Starr restaurant on Chesntut Street. It was also in Philadelphia that Chef Correll pursued his culinary education, graduating from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2008. After school he worked for Chef Marc Plessis at Nineteen in the Park Hyatt Hotel before moving to Pinehurst, North Carolina to open the Carolina Room.