Condition in bucket before kegging?

**Xalwine** · 04-08-2011, 03:10 AM

So I just ordered my first kegging setup. 2 kegs with picnic taps and a dual gauge regulator. Here's the issue. I want to do a five gallon brew every week come decent spring weather, that's more than I can keg.

Without getting more kegs can I let my beer condition in a secondary bucket and then transfer to a keg when it becomes available? At most it would be a month or two.

So is this a viable option or should I order more kegs and risk getting the third degree from swmbo for spending more money/taking up more room?

djsethall · 04-08-2011, 03:53 AM

I wouldnt let my beer sit in a bucket for two months. Just buy some more kegs. Are they cornelius kegs? Check craigslist for used cornies. We get them here in WA for 25-30 bucks.

**iaefebs** · 04-08-2011, 05:16 AM

No real need to transfer to a second vessel. You can leave it in the original (primary bucket) for the month or two (or more) till you free up a keg. See how it works out for you. You can then see what other stuff you might need.

**Xalwine** · 04-08-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iaefebs

No real need to transfer to a second vessel. You can leave it in the original (primary bucket) for the month or two (or more) till you free up a keg. See how it works out for you. You can then see what other stuff you might need.

I might do this. I just planned on racking to a secondary so that it would help reduce sediment when I transfer to a keg. I sanitize everything like crazy so I'm not worried about infections or spoiling my beer.

Really the main thing is space. I can stack my buckets in a corner to let them condition and age. I cant stack my kegs.

My biggest concern however, Will letting these buckets sit in my garage (can get up to like 80) be a problem with aging? I don't want it to spoil before I drink it.

**midfielder5** · 04-08-2011, 02:27 PM

You need to get more than 2 kegs, period.
People on here, I'd guess, average 2 to 8 kegs per tap.
I have about 10 kegs for my 2 tap kegerator:
two are on being dispensed w/ Co2,
one is at a friends in use (we did a 10g brew day & he took home his share),
one has only 5 pints left, so i pulled it from kegerator to get others going,
one is full & "on deck",
and three are empty but i have 3 beers in primary.

cheers!

**Xalwine** · 04-08-2011, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midfielder5

You need to get more than 2 kegs, period.
People on here, I'd guess, average 2 to 8 kegs per tap.
I have about 10 kegs for my 2 tap kegerator:
two are on being dispensed w/ Co2,
one is at a friends in use (we did a 10g brew day & he took home his share),
one has only 5 pints left, so i pulled it from kegerator to get others going,
one is full & "on deck",
and three are empty but i have 3 beers in primary.

cheers!

I appreciate your enthusiasm. but read what I wrote. I don't have a lot of space for kegs. Down the line, yes I will. But for now I dont. Also Buckets are 3 bucks. Kegs are upwards of 40 with shipping. The highest amount of kegs i could keep at this time would be 4 total. so I could get 2 more, BUT the main question is still at hand. Can I condition in a bucket, rack to keg and force carb and have a drink that isn't green. I'd rather keep the Keg open for a quick aging beverage (I also make a hard lemonade that my wife loves.) then letting something age for 3-6 weeks or longer.

Buck33 · 04-08-2011, 04:46 PM

Where do you get buckets for 3 bucks?

**midfielder5** · 04-08-2011, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xalwine

I appreciate your enthusiasm. but read what I wrote.

Hey, I did read what you wrote!
"... or should I order more kegs"

/unsubscribe

Ferminator · 04-08-2011, 04:54 PM

**Xalwine** · 04-08-2011, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buck33

Where do you get buckets for 3 bucks?

Lowes or home depot buckets with a hole drilled in it for airlock or blowoff. But for storing fully fermented beer I'd probably just leave it with a solid lid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by midfielder5

Hey, I did read what you wrote!
"... or should I order more kegs"

/unsubscribe

Well look at that.... I was wrong. I hope you didn't take any sort of harsh tone from my reply. I just don't have the room for 2-8 kegs per tap. I should have specified that i could possibly order 2 more. My apologies.