Keg Questions?

Question

I am starting a bar and I have a question about kegs. Is it cheaper to purchase empty kegs and have them refilled? How much is an empty keg? How much is the delivery service for a keg of beer? How long does a keg stay fresh with proper storage, equipment, and care? Is there a bar distributor website that advertises prices for premium beer? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

i work at a liqour store and despite what people are telling you ..you can get kegs and fill them up ...i think these people mean youre actually filling these yourself...when in reality the people who brings the kegs pick the shells up and fill them for you you just have to get enough shells to start rotating them which will start cancelling out your deposit for the shell...this is cheaper about 12-15 dollars cheaper depending where you live...second there is no charge for delivering kegs...what you do is you find a distributor...here in the missouri kansas area its premium distribution for bud products...then they just make regular deliveries to you...a keg in price for budlight is about 65 dollars before the shell...then with the shell its 72 dollars for about a 12 dollar deposit...since youre opening a bar the deposit money will just keep getting rotated throughout the kegs...so basically the first round of kegs is what youll be 'losing' and then youll never have to worry about the deposit money again unless youre not turning your keg shells back in

Answer 2

first decide whether you want to have micro-brews and or domestics. the kegs will need a few different types of taps. like, the Guinness is nitrogen conditioned and some are barrel kegs with a screw on top, blah, blah.... well, the distributors charge you for the kegs to begin with, on a lease type basis and when you empty a keg the company will come and pick up the empty keg in exchange for a new full keg of the same or different beer. you will need a bout double the amount of kegs as you have drafts just in case one of the kegs blow, you have a replacement until the next delivery comes in. always buy in bulk, you'll get a better deal on all the equipment. make sure your cooler stays the right temp, too. a few degrees in either direction can ruin an entire keg of beer to too much foam. also, don't ever be afraid to return the beer if you don't use it, or change your mind. the companies are used to this. sometimes you get a free keg instead!

Answer 3

You can't own the keg and have it refilled. You buy the beer and pay a deposit for the keg. I used to have a deal worked out with the local party store. They always kept a spare chilled for me and when I would exchange the empty for a new one, they would order another and keep it until I was ready for it. Of course I went through at least one half keg every week. I had my own set up to keep the beer cold and a cylinder of CO2 to pressurize it. I also kept a spare CO2 in the house. Joined AA 0n 10/06/1989 and haven't turned back since.

Answer 4

Hi.
Kegs are generally not available for refill, as such, until you purchase one that is full, of course, with your on-premises license to distribute alcohol.Then, you'll pay a deposit for the keg itself, and buy the beer.
Delivery costs vary from state to state, but I'm sure your beer distributor would be glad to quote you some pricing for premium and specialty beers. Often Microbrewery specialty producers will often do promos to get the word out there about their new products, so check with them.
With proper storage (refridgerated), and clean tap lines and equipment, your draft beer will stay fresh for at least a month.

Some distributors will make recommendations when they sell the beer to you, to provide optimum product freshness, particularly regarding exact temperatures for storing to maintain optimum quality.
Most distributors will not publicize their prices because of the likelihood of being undersold by their competitors. If you check on the Anheuser Busch website, you'll find contact links for info on distributors in your area. In some states it's illegal to post such information.

I'll take a pint...in a frosted mug please!
IAM Lightworker

ps, just kidding. I am a two year AA vet myself. Each to his own!