A keg is typically made of stainless steel and is designed to be pressurised with CO2 or nitrogen gas. This pressurisation allows the beer to be dispensed through a tap or faucet without the need for manual pumping or pouring. Kegs come in various sizes, with the most common sizes being 5-gallon and 15.5-gallon kegs.
One of the primary advantages of using a keg to store and serve homebrewed beer is that it allows for precise control over carbonation levels. By adjusting the pressure of the gas used to pressurise the keg, homebrewers can achieve the desired level of carbonation for their beer. This is in contrast to other packaging methods, such as bottling, which can be more difficult to control in terms of carbonation levels.
Another advantage of using a keg is that it can be more convenient than bottling. Kegs are reusable, which means that they can be used for multiple batches of beer. Additionally, kegs can be filled and emptied more quickly and easily than bottles, which can be especially useful for homebrewers who are producing larger quantities of beer.
When using a keg to store and serve homebrewed beer, it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure that the beer stays fresh and carbonated. This includes cleaning and sanitising the keg thoroughly before each use, and using the appropriate type and amount of gas to pressurise the keg. It is also important to keep the keg at the appropriate temperature to prevent the beer from becoming too warm or too cold.
There are several different types of kegs that can be used in homebrewing. The most common type is the ball lock keg, which features a two-part locking mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment of the gas and liquid lines. Pin lock kegs are another type of keg that are similar in design to ball lock kegs, but use a different type of locking mechanism.
Cornelius or “Corny” kegs are another popular option in homebrewing. These kegs were originally used in the soft drink industry, but have since become popular for homebrewing due to their size and ease of use. Cornelius kegs are typically smaller than ball lock or pin lock kegs, with a capacity of around 5 gallons.