Is kegging worth it?

[Mike-H]

Adding my 2, kegging is way worth it. Also, in case someone hassnt stated this yet. You can bottle from a keg, you dont need an external c02 system or anything. I keep a couple growlers and 16 oz flip top re-usable bottles on hand to bring my brew with me. As far as i'm concerned, kegging is the only way to go. If you want I can point you in the direction to get 4 corny's for $100 to your door, just msg me.

 

[olllllo]

As mentioned in other threads.

1) You can sometimes get local micros to fill your cornies when you are between batches.
2) You can (with some hardware changes) hook up a commercial half or pony.
3) You can bring and empty corny to a keg party and take the leftover beer home, provided you purge the headspace and chill promptly.

 

[Cheesefood]

Adding my 2, kegging is way worth it. Also, in case someone hassnt stated this yet. You can bottle from a keg, you dont need an external c02 system or anything. I keep a couple growlers and 16 oz flip top re-usable bottles on hand to bring my brew with me. As far as i'm concerned, kegging is the only way to go. If you want I can point you in the direction to get 4 corny's for $100 to your door, just msg me.

You can probably find 4 for $80 on eBay or other places.

 

[brmdavis]

You can probably find 4 for $80 on eBay or other places.

I have not started kegging yet b/c of cost but also I thought brew didnt last too long under pressure on tap. How long will beer last kegged off the tap and on the tap? Also, if you drain half and take it off the tap, how long will it last?

I've done 6 batces in three weeks and have probably spent more on extra flip-top bottles then converting to kegging...kicking myself after reading this thread.

 

[Cheesefood]

I have not started kegging yet b/c of cost but also I thought brew didnt last too long under pressure on tap. How long will beer last kegged off the tap and on the tap? Also, if you drain half and take it off the tap, how long will it last?

I've done 6 batces in three weeks and have probably spent more on extra flip-top bottles then converting to kegging...kicking myself after reading this thread.

HB99 typically has 75,000 kegs in his "aging" cellar. I know that he only goes through about 25 to 50 thousand per year, tops. So most of his are probably pretty old. I think he's about 247 years old, so there's at least one or two in the 200+ year range.

 

[brmdavis]

HB99 typically has 75,000 kegs in his "aging" cellar. I know that he only goes through about 25 to 50 thousand per year, tops. So most of his are probably pretty old. I think he's about 247 years old, so there's at least one or two in the 200+ year range.

Obviously Cheesefood is currently enjoying his infamous caramel cream in excess. Is that one way of saying the answer is "a very very long time"? Has anyone done a thread with a total cost breakdown of switching to kegging?

 

[pendries]

How long does beer last on the tap? About 2 weeks around here!

I've been kegging since I started, One draw back I found is that with only two corny's I need to "keep Drinking" if I want to keep brewing. I am considering getting some Grolsch bottles for some of the heavier beers. Have you ever drank 5 gallons of stout single handedly?

 

[gnef]

haha.

you know what this means, right?

MORE KEGS!

seriously though, slowly get more and more if you can. there are ebay sellers selling kegs in good condition for four for 80 shipped, which is a good deal. just get new seals on them, and they should be good to go. you may also want to build a larger kegerator in the future. what i've done is converted a full size top/bottom fridge that can hold 6 kegs inside.

it is understandable if you have space constraints though, work with what you have, but i'm sure you could stow away extra kegs here and there, in a closet, hallway, bedroom, garage, etc.

it can be sorta like an easter egg hunt when you blow through a keg, and the first keg you find is what you put on tap. haha.

also, look on craigslist. at least for where i am at, there are postings every now and then for kegging equipment, generally for an excellent deal. i recently bought 8 kegs for 5 a piece because the guy was moving to florida (i live in texas), and the kegs were in excellent condition. keep your eyes open for good deals!