Where to buy keg beer DFW, TX

RedRaiderDavid · Oct 27, 2014

Hello, I just started my homebrew hobby and after bottling my first batch of beer I decided I really needed to keg or this hobby is doomed for me. I just purchased a kegerator, its a full size fridge with 2 taps. My current plan is to have 1 tap with my homebrewed stuff and another tap with commercial beer, 1/6 or 1/4 bbl.

My question is does anyone have any recommendations on where to buy keg beer keeping in mind I don't have a shell and will need to pay a deposit? I live in Lewisville, right off of 121. I know Keg and Barrel has a good selection but they charge a $100 deposit and Perkit (sp) Market in Dallas is a little far for exchanges. Do all Spec locations sell kegs and do they have a reasonable deposit?

Thanks

number40fan · Oct 27, 2014

Might search craigslist for an empty keg that you can take for the deposit. $100 for a deposit seems a little steep though. Paid $30 for one here the other day.

RedRaiderDavid · Oct 27, 2014

I've searched CL and the going rate for keg shells is $50 and all I have seen are the half barrel sizes. I figured for that if I can find a place that that only charged $50 for a deposit then I might as well do that and save myself the frustration of dealing with CL sellers. If its less than $50, even better.
Of course keep in mind I now have an empty kegerator which is torture so there is a desire to put it to use ASAP and its going to be a minimum of 3 weeks or longer before I can whip up another batch of homebrew to keg. lol

number40fan · Oct 27, 2014

Shoot them a low ball offer on craigslist. Might never know.

RedRaiderDavid · Oct 27, 2014

I answered my own question and will post here for those who might have the same question locally. Lone Star Beverages in Carrollton keeps a large selection of 1/6 barrel kegs in stock including many local breweries. They charge a very reasonable $30 deposit for all but Revolver kegs which are $100 for some reason, most other places seem to charge $50 - $100 flat and have to special order 1/6 barrel. This is one of the few places that seems to cater to those with kegerators who want a selection of smaller kegs vs. those having a party who just want a 1/2 barrel of Natty Lt. Plus being a beer only store they are available for those beer emergencies that usually happen after 9.

zachattack · Oct 28, 2014

A lot of times the high deposit is mandated by the breweries, not the liquor store. A lot of microbreweries are (rightfully) sick and tired of people stealing their kegs and assuming it's OK because they lost a $30 deposit. The keg acquisition method that number40fan is talking about is almost always illegal, since people selling empty kegs almost never own them. A keg is worth much more to the brewery than a $30 deposit.

I'm glad you found a good place to get kegs! I've found that most good bottle stores will happily order in pretty much any keg you want, and if you're using your own coupler they don't care how long you keep it. I don't mind a deposit.