While people use the word "barrel," you are almost certainly looking for one of these three common sizes:
Buying a keg isn’t as simple as grabbing a pack of cans. You’ll need to navigate a few extra steps:
Whether you are planning a massive blowout or just want the satisfaction of having draught beer on tap at home, buying a "barrel"—technically known as a —is a rite of passage in party planning. 1. Know Your Sizes
Holds 5.16 gallons, or about 55 pours . This is the size often used in home "kegerators" or for craft beer. 2. The Logistics of the Buy
A large plastic trash can filled with a 3:1 ratio of ice and water is the gold standard for keeping a keg chilled.
Surprisingly, buying a keg doesn't always save you money compared to buying cases of cans, especially for domestic lagers. Once you factor in the tap rental, ice, and cup costs, the price per beer is often similar. You buy a keg for the and the environmental benefit of less waste, not always for the bargain. 5. The "Party Pump" Rule