Splitting 5 gallon batch (Keg & ?)

[tyhoward]

I brew with a friend and we (like many) are sick of bottling. I was considering investing in a kegging system but there doesn't seem to be a reasonable way to give him his half that will 1) Last and 2) Not involve him also having to buy a full keg system.

Has anyone had success with any of the 5L or growler carbing systems? From what I've read most seem to fall short of expectations. Is there anything I am overlooking?

Your ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[JLeuck64]

I've been using the Party pig for years now. Works really well for what I use it for, mostly that house brew that gets consumed WAY too fast! The original company that produced it sold out to another company earlier this year, but it should be available for purchase soon.

www.partypig.com

Once you get set up with the basic starter kit the pouches cost about 4 buck$ each. At least that what they used to cost before the previous company was sold, it will be interesting to see what the new company charges. Will need to be competitively priced against a disposable CO2 cartridge of about 45g in my opinion... I want to say that the original starter kits cost right around $50 bucks if my memory serves me. Once you get used to filling and cleaning them they really are more efficient when compared to an equal volume of 12oz bottles! I would be happy to share tips I've figured out if your're interested?

 

[Dixon9717]

Bottle 1/2 and keg 1/2. 2.5 gallons is a lot quicker to bottle then 5 gallons.

 

[Hollywood260]

Bottle 1/2 and keg 1/2. 2.5 gallons is a lot quicker to bottle then 5 gallons.

I am thinking about doing this with my next batch....Keg 1/2 and bottle the other 1/2. So, that I can take a 6pack of my beer to parties instead of the whole keg.

So, I am guessing I'll need to first move half the beer to the corny keg. Then add the correct sugar amounts to the remaining half so I can then bottle it......would this be correct? It seems logical in my mind.

 

[30Bones]

Or keg all 5gallons and bottle his half off the keg. All he has to do is build a DIY bottle filler and use very little of your CO2

 

[MI_Dogman]

Bottle 1/2 and keg 1/2. 2.5 gallons is a lot quicker to bottle then 5 gallons.

Thumbs UP on this! This is what I do with my two tap Kegerater now. With just me and a couple of friends that stop by, it sometimes takes a while for me to knock out 10 gallons on tap to make space for something new. Plus having half in bottles gives me the ability to give some out for sampling, gifts, and what not. Like Dixon said, its easier with 2.5 gallons!

-Dogman