How do you measure amount of beer in barrel without measuring device?

Question

Two farmers were staring into a large barrel partly filled with ale. One of them said: “It's over half full!” But the other declared: “It's more than half empty.” How could they tell without using a ruler, string, bottles, or other measuring devices if it was more or less than exactly half full?

Answer 1

Chill the keg down and then pul it out into room temperature. Condensation will form only where there is beer. From this, you can see exactly how much beer you have.

Answer 2

Do a tap test up the side of the barrel or the touch test feeling for a temperature change.