CO2 volumes for commercial kegs

[hvjackson]

Any way to find out the carbonation levels of commercial beer kegs? I have my home-brew kegs pretty well balanced but don't know what to do for commercial kegs. I can look up the recommended carb levels for a style, but that's just a guess. Also, I've heard that commercial kegs are usually a little overcarbed...?

Any advice for serving from commercial kegs?

 

[JuanMoore]

Any way to find out the carbonation levels of commercial beer kegs? I have my home-brew kegs pretty well balanced but don't know what to do for commercial kegs. I can look up the recommended carb levels for a style, but that's just a guess. Also, I've heard that commercial kegs are usually a little overcarbed...?

Any advice for serving from commercial kegs?

Best way to find out is call or e-mail the brewery. The vast majority of commercial keg beer is carbed to 2.7 vol though, to work well with the serving systems that were already set up for BMC.

 

[hvjackson]

OK, I didn't even think of asking the brewery. I just shot off a few emails, lets see what happens.

But 2.7 vol seems like a plausible all-purpose number. I doubt most bars are fiddling with the CO2 regulator every time they switch a keg, so it makes sense that there would be an informal standard.

 

[zachattack]

I agree 100% with Juan. Try e-mailing them, I've done this for a few breweries and most were happy to give me a carb level. If not, assume 2.7.

A while back someone tried to start a thread compiling the levels but it never really took off. But if you want you can post your numbers in there.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/commercial-beer-carbonation-list-348911/