Controllong how much people drink from a kegerator

[Kevin Dean]

I'm also one of those losers with no friends and the brew is all mine (and SWMBO's).

That said, nobody comes in my home unless I consider them a friend and I don't consider anyone a friend unless I can comfortably say to them "Dude, this took me a LONG time to get right do don't waste it!"

If this is a general, friends invite friends party, I would personaly re-evaluate. Take limited supplies (bottle some up, take some growlers) because odds are doing things to consideration of others won't get much response anyway.

 

[tjwheels]

I have a three tap system in my garage and several neighbors do help them selves to the brew (with my approval). Once in a while I would notice half empty glasses lying around and did not like it. My fix was to purchase a pony keg of Bud and put it on one of the taps. I don't seem to see any wasted home brew anymore and the cost of the bud is not that bad. A couple of ponies a year equals $80.00 or so.

 

[Germey]

Half empty glasses lying around is just wasteful! I suggest taking an active approach to any glass that looks even slightly abandoned...
1. Drink it yourself (I am prone to do this)
2. Combine and Re-assign (Howdy, new guest, want a homebrew!)

 

[Jekster]

I only have a two tap kegger and my beer goes pretty fast when I have parties. I like to host though so I enjoy seeing my friends drinking my brew, and having a good time. What I have done is put a small "beer tips" jar on my kegger and just hope to get some tips for the batch. Most people that come over either know I brew, and know how much money and effort is put into a batch or ask. Does everyone give a tip? Heck no, I'd be rich! However, I've had a small handful of people tip to where I've probably paid for 3-4 batches of the eight I've served out of the sucker since I made it. This coupled with the fact that I split a lot of batches with my roomies makes me think everything is just fine. Plus, honestly if they didn't bring anything to drink I'd rather have them drinking my HB. All the commercials I buy now are much more expensive and I can always make more HB when the freaking weather gets nice.

 

[Moonshae]

IHMO, if you buy a couple cases of beer to supply a party, you don't tell the guests, "The bottle to guest ratio is 5:1. Please don't drink more than your share. These cases cost $35 each." If you're going to serve homebrew, I don't see why that should be treated any differently...it costs less, ounce for ounce, and time doesn't cost anything. Cut people off if they're getting drunk, but let people make their own decisions about how much they drink. If you're worried about supply, make sure you have enough on hand, or augment with commercial bottled brews. If people can't show up to a tasting party in time to at least try some of each homebrew before the kegs are kicked, well, they should have gotten there sooner.

Regarding half full glasses, sure, it's a waste, but if you were at a party, and you didn't like something or felt like you were getting too drunk, would you want to feel obligated to consume more anyway? If people are made to feel bad about half full cups, they're probably just going to pour them down the drain instead.

I understand what you're getting at, but being a good host means making sure there is enough *whatever* for your guests...not limiting your guests so that everyone has a fair share.

 

[svudah]

This probably won't help anyone, but since the idea of a remote was suggested... what about a kegbot?

I had a housemate in college (computer science major) who said there was some open source code and schematics for turning an old computer into an adjustable keg regulator. Supposedly, you could hook up a credit card swipe machine, the computer, and a kegerator. Anyone who wanted a pour would need an ID card to swipe; you could then program all sorts of things like who gets unlimited pours, who is allowed just one or two, you could even enter a person's body weight and have the kegbot cut them out after they reached an estimated BAC. It's really perfect for college because everyone already has swipeable ID cards, but you could program anything that swipes.

Like I said, might have been just a fantasy--needless to say it never worked out for me--but my friend was certain he could do it and we even got an old computer for it. If only we weren't so lazy and poor.

 

[Yuri_Rage]

I don't think the sign was a bad idea at all. It's not rude...just straight forward, and that's how I like people to act with me. Smaller glasses are also an excellent way to make sure that someone who pulls a beer he/she doesn't like doesn't wind up wasting much.

I find that many of my friends enjoy a few homebrews, but since I usually brew stronger flavored beers, they switch back to a tried and true BMC or mixed drink after a few pints. Those that would like to continue enjoying homebrew are welcome to keep coming back to the tap.

Also, I try not to serve homebrew at a party when I know the supply is low. I make sure I have nearly 30 gallons before I throw a bash where the kegerator is in full operation.

 

[missing link]

I have a glass jar in front of my taps that says "Help support the cost of making more BEER" Most parties yield enough cash to double the amount of beer on hand or buy more equipment. When friends come over, they might drop a $20 in one visit but then not donate for the next 5 visits. With the average glass of homebrew only costing about $.30, I am not concerned about the cost. I'd much rather have them waste a $.30 glass of Homebrew as opposed to wasting a bottle of craft beer that cost me $1.70 per bottle.

 

[Greggy]

Those rules are definitely fair!

Greg

 

[Homercidal]

I dont' think a sign is a bad idea, but I'd hate to sound stingey if'n I were to put on up. Maybe remind them to "waste not, want not", and I do like the idea of sampler glasses. I also like the diea of tip a tip jar. That's just cool!

I think if I were hosting a tasting party, I'd consider any beer I put out as already been drank. If there is any left, then it's a bonus. If they like your beer so much that they drink it all, then maybe you can convince them to let you help them brew a batch for themselves. Of course they'd buy all of the ingredients. That way they can see what all goes into the process, including the price.

My problem is that I don't know enough people who like good beer. Not sure what I'll do once I get a kegerator and learn how to make some real good stuff... I might have to drink it all myself.

 

[missing link]

My friends get a kick out of the sign to help and enjoy throwing some cash in. If somebody were offended by a sign asking for some brew money while they drink the beer, then those aren't friends I want in the house really.

 

[pjj2ba]

We have several large parties a year and I brew beers specifically for those occassions and don't expect to have any leftovers. These are beers that are above and beyond what I brew for myself and occasional company. So even after a big party, I always have beer around. It does have it's drawbacks. I did my first true Oktoberfest last year. It was phenomenal and it was gone in less than two hours. I got 3 glasses and it was gone. Oh well. This year I'm brewing 3 batches of it for that party.

Go ahead and buy a sixtel or 1/4 barrel of something nice and once people have had a good tasting of your beers switch over to that. I mean, you can't have a party and then tell people they've had enough beer, you are not going to serve anymore. Instant party killer.

 

[Hail Ale]

First - I don't post much but use the forum all the time to get answers to most of my questions that have already been asked more than once. Probably the best resource on the web. Thanks to all of you.

Anyway - I read this thread and had to chime in. I am currently just finishing a four tap keezer (Thanks to BM for keezer tips) and can't wait for my boys (and anyone else who's thirsty) to come over and drain the whole thing. (I do have back up waiting to fill the kegs). I have a friend named Barton and the name dates back to an old word for "Barley grower" and he was basically the guy who provided the means for everyone to get f"ed up. He was the town hero.

I don't want to be a hero, but who doesn't want to be the guy who provides the good time. I got into brewing because I love beer, but I sure as hell don't want to sit around and get stupid by myself. Good beers = good times. The more the merrier.

Besides, by the time the kegs kick, there will be plenty of Keystone 30 racks to rehydrate for the morning.

No offense to the OP - but if I did make a sign it would say "FREE BEER"

 

[BierMuncher]

With 7 taps on line and a little over 400 gallons brewed last year, it's obvious I don't have a lot of restrictions when it comes to sharing.

If I were to try and "control" the situation a bit more I suppose I'd:

A) Offer two size glasses, a two once plastic ampler, and an 8 ounce serving glass. There's no sense in laying out a bunch of 16 ounce ale glasses if you want people to treat your beer like a connoisseur's treat.

B) One sign: "Help your self to a sample taste, pour only what you like so as not to waste"

 

[c.n.budz]

Lately I've been keeping an angry midget with a wiffle ball bat on my bar. That mean little bastard keeps people in check like a pro

 

[justbrewit]

just make stronger beer. if your guests are having 3 9.5% barley wines or 3(3 just being the number that popped into the melon) IPA's at 7% they won't drink as much as with a 4.5% stout

 

[Schlenkerla]

If I were to try and "control" the situation a bit more I suppose I'd:

A) Offer two size glasses, a two once plastic ampler, and an 8 ounce serving glass. There's no sense in laying out a bunch of 16 ounce ale glasses if you want people to treat your beer like a connoisseur's treat.

B) One sign: "Help your self to a sample taste, pour only what you like so as not to waste"

I'd scrub the sign you suggested on Post #1. Then go with the classic "Waste Not Want Not" or what BierMuncher said.

Smaller glasses like 8 oz pils glasses are cool for promoting your thought of consideration (Ideal Session Size). The dixie cup, orange juice or kolsch glass could work as samplers.

Tex Law had a good idea to play the sommelier too. Serve them and answer questions. Maybe start w/ a half glass.

Most people are respectfull if they and aren't there to get drunk and eat all of your food.

You could also make a low cost, low gravity beer, or light (3-7) SRM beer as your house beer. Something like 1.035 w/ a light amount of hops. Make a couple kegs of it too. Or buy a BMC keg.

I know how you feel, I think the same way, but its best not too show it because you'll look like a miser. This would be from people who are your friends but are clueless at to the amount of effort.

 

[Denny's Evil Concoctions]

Offer a very bitter beer for parties. Unless they're all hop heads, they will probably drink that a tad slower. lol. Oh and yeah, the small glass thing .. that works.

Depends on what kinda "parties" you are holding. Frat party or the type where people wear yellow sweaters around their waists and talk about their other house in the Hamptons...

 

[cglkaptc]

Well it truely depends on what kind of party it is. I am a college student, and if I have a kegger at my house it is of PBR or something that I can get for $60 (usually I can rack in a $100 profit after charging $5 a cup), while I sneak to my room and drink the good stuff.

However, if I have a party that is all people I know and all trust worthy I just tell it to them straight and they usually respect my wishes.

I also find that if you keep a case of Bud Light in the fridge when you are having people over it keeps them away from your homebrew stash.

 

[Jonnio]

You could also make a BierMuncher filler and bottle a 6 or 12 pack of your brew before the party.

I usually end up with 12-24 good beers at my house after a party. Most of my friends bring something they like, but I enjoy sharing my beer, so they just leave what they brought and drink off my kegs. I also have people wanting to pitch in money so I will brew certain styles for when they come over. I might have odd friends though.

 

[splat]

I have read most of the posts here and I will give my 2 cents. When we have a party with lots of people its rare...When we do, I usually pour the first beer for people...I use pint glasses(frozen), and I ask them what kind of beer they like...I pour them a small sample and give them tips on pouring out of a keg...(believe it or not, there are lots of people that cant pour a beer, like only open the handle 1/4 of the way and end up with all foam)...If they like it I pour them a big glass...I then tell them they know where the fridge is, and feel free to try the others if they like, but try it first before pulling a full glass to make sure we arent dumping any of my brew down the sink....And I LOVE hearing how great my brew is, and how they have had other guys homebrew that totally sucked... But I also deal with older crowds that arent into getting smashed on my dime...Only problem I have found is lots of people in the BMC crowd show up with a 12 pack of that, and then drink off my kegs all night, then leave their beer behind...Its very nice of them, but now I probably have a case and a half of bud light/coors light sitting behind my bar to get rid of

 

[IrregularPulse]

I am going to take the tip jar approach. If I have a big party with people bringing people I don't know I'll draw them a taste and if they like it let them be. But if I see empties and the culprit I'll kindly remind them I made this for my friends enjoyment and would appreciate it not being wasted as it cannot be simply restocked in a trip to the store rather than a few months sitting. I also plan on having the following tip sign with my tip jar: Please keep in mind, this is not BMC. The ingredients for this beer did not simply come out of my ass.
The biggest part in this dilema is what age group you are working with. My friends are all around 25-30 so we are past the getting smashed every weekend phase. Plus they mostly bring their own whenever they come. But I personally will be keggin for the sole reason of having my friends over to drink my beer. Just keep on brewing and don't mention cost. That is tacky. Especially after inviting them over for the purpose of trying your beer. It's like "Hey come try my beer, Good huh? Sorry, can't have anymore." Pretty tacky.

 

[TexLaw]

just make stronger beer. if your guests are having 3 9.5% barley wines or 3(3 just being the number that popped into the melon) IPA's at 7% they won't drink as much as with a 4.5% stout

Famous last words right there.

And, for those with the tip jars, you have to be careful about that. They can backfire in a couple ways.

First, even if they seem okay right now, they will become unseemly at some point in your life. For example, I did not mind it so much in college. Nobody had any money, so a tip jar would come up from time to time. Even then, though, it typically was an open party that did not require an invitation to attend. I never minded a tip jar when I went to some party hosted by someone I did not know (e.g., There's a kegger at [random address]! We're going!)

Second, the idea of hospitality and the message of a tip jar are incosistent. Didn't you invite these people to your home in the spirit of hospitality and to enjoy the pleasure of their company? Or did you invite them over to show off your brewing efforts, maybe get some "attaboy"s and to subsidize your brewing habit? Are you hosting a party or running an enterprise? A tip jar suggests the latter in each case.

Third, as I observed at those parties with tip jars, dropping a buck in the tip jar changes many guests' attitudes. As far as they are concerned, they are now customers, and they are going to live it up. You might wind up with eight bucks, three empty cornies, and a bunch of drunk customers. If you blow a keg right after someone drops in a tip, will you offer a refund? Do you really want to put one or more of your guests in a position where they must decide whether to ask?

There are too many other ways to control consumption, rather than raising the price. Still, I wouldn't mind what Funkenjaeger has to say on this matter.


TL

 

[Denny's Evil Concoctions]

If you do do the tip jar, don;t make it a clear one, that as texlaw said amkes it seem like a commercial enterprise. If your friends come oevr a lot then maybe a "Ingredients Fund" jar.

 

[Poindexter]

i bring a keg to every group party i attend now. the beer in that keg is not coming back. it's usually finished within a couple of hours and we have a full keg of something else ready to go. If you want some of my homebrew, come early.

What he said. I just love seeing people suck down my brew like thirsty humming birds. I keep the good stuff back at the house of course.

In my circle of mostly grown up friends the future hosts will ask if I can make a keg of whatever in time for this or that upcoming event. Not always, but often enough.

 

[Drunkagain]

Yeah, I don't worry about it. Half the fun of making beer for me is enjoying it with friends and family.

 

[Desert_Sky]

I don't even care. If people come over and it turns into a session, well so be it. I love the entire brewing process so if a keg gets tapped, well then I get to go brew another to replace it. All I ask is that if you are going to drink a gallon or so, well leave a tip of whatever you think is fair. Hops are expensive now a days

 

[missing link]

I prefer the tip jar over people bringing a 6 pack of bud light to give me while they drink my beer. After 6 months I end up with a fridge full of beer for watering flowers. All my friends know it and don't bring the 6 pack of crap anymore.

 

[Dave the Brewer]

Get a tip jar, over the jar put a sign saying that the jar accepts change and bills. the more you drink the more you tip.
It is respectable because it is your own crafted beer which you spent time and money on. If they don't like HB and they are out some change, the next time they will just bring there own. If they really enjoy it, you get a good feeling inside and plenty of change. If you notice they are not tipping as much as they are drinking say something or point to the sign! If they can't respect that, don't let them come back!
I have a lot of friends and most of them enjoy my brew but they respect the fact that spend time and money on it. They ask if they can get a glass and they don't drink it all.

 

[CodeRage]

The people who come to my get togethers either appreciate homebrew like I do or would rather have a BMC. I am all about spreading the word about real beer and encourage all to at least sample. I always set aside enough bottles to get me through a few weeks should my stash get depleted. If I do run out it's either cause I didnt brew enough or I invited way too many people. I like to think it's the former.