how long does homebrew last in keg, once tapped?

[RonPaul]

I am new to kegging and just wondered, how long should I expect my homebrew to last once tapped from the keg?

 

[NWMOBrewer]

As long as no O2 gets to it, it can last as long as you need. Most of us do not have any last long enough.

 

[rjsnau]

As long as bottles. Easily a year or two if your sanitization is good.

 

[BigUgly]

A month, depending on how many friends come over to share.

I had a beer kegged that had to be stored in storage for 6 months while I was working away from home only to come back and drink it all in 5 days. It was amazing!

 

[billtzk]

A good beer doesn't last me long. I can blow through a five gallon keg in 2 weeks easy, if I'm pacing myself. That's only 3 pints per night. It takes even less time if I'm unrestrained, or if a beer-drinking friend comes over. Five gallons is only 40 pints, or a bit more than two cases of beer.

That's why I have 8 taps on my keezer.

 

[KevinM]

I would expect that with no leaks and proper sanitation, indefinately (until it's finished) or until it finally started leaking due to seal degredation.

The whole "it has to be finished because it's tapped" is probably due to the keg rentals and hand pumps that introduces oxygen into the beer (which tended to be BMC anyways).

 

[RonPaul]

It sounds like I shouldn't worry about tapping a keg a couple days before I go away for a few weeks. Thanks.

 

[TrainSafe]

No, don't worry.

I'd advise you turn off the gas if you are leaving for a few weeks. That way if you have any minor leaks you won't return to an empty CO2 bottle.

 

[Brewnoob1]

Ensure proper sanitation and sealing, hit it with 30psi and take it off the gas. It should be just fine for storage until you're ready to tap and drink. Even if it's tapped, with proper sanitation and sealing, it should still be able to keep just fine.

 

[EdWort]

I am new to kegging and just wondered, how long should I expect my homebrew to last once tapped from the keg?

Anywhere from an hour to over a year. Depends on how fast you consume it. Keep it chilled & on gas.

 

[Homercidal]

It can last for many months, depending on the style, just like with bottles.

 

[solbes]

It sounds like I shouldn't worry about tapping a keg a couple days before I go away for a few weeks. Thanks.

No worries on the beer. Keep the O2 away and you're fine.

You might consider getting a Perlick faucet though if you haven't already bought one. They do not stick due to the seal design, even after they sit idle for a few weeks. The standard faucets have a tendency to stick after 1 week or so of idle time.

 

[wilceaser]

I've had a keg of tripple that I have been nursing for alomst 1 1/2 years and it's still fine..Actually it's getting better each passing day.
That reminds me I need to drink more

 

[troub]

No, don't worry.

I'd advise you turn off the gas if you are leaving for a few weeks. That way if you have any minor leaks you won't return to an empty CO2 bottle.

Or my worst nightmare as a new kegger, a leak arising on the liquid side and the CO2 pushing the whole keg's worth of beer out onto the floor while I'm out.