Over the past decade, the craft beer movement has taken deep root in America, evolving from a niche interest into a thriving industry. What began as a handful of engaged brewers has grown into thousands of breweries across the country, and craft beer now accounts for nearly 25% of the US beer market. In Ohio, we’re proud to be part of a movement that’s changing how Americans enjoy and appreciate beer.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a wedding, a home brewing setup, or just want to understand what goes into making the perfect pint, understanding beer kegs is essential. A keg is where craftsmanship meets celebration, and it delivers fresh, flavorful beer straight into your glass.

For visitors at Little Miami Brewing Company and fellow Ohioans, this guide to beer keg sizes, tapping, and serving is especially helpful. We’ve witnessed firsthand how the right keg knowledge elevates the craft beer experience for everyone. Let’s explore keg types and uses, how we preserve flavor during kegging, tapping instructions, and tips for serving the perfect pint.

What is a Beer Keg and Why Does it Matter in Craft Brewing?

A beer keg isn’t just a container; it’s the guardian of flavor. At its core, a beer keg is a pressurized vessel designed to store and dispense beer while maintaining its quality. Unlike bottles and cans, kegs provide a sealed environment that protects the beer from two major threats: oxygen and light.

For us craft brewers, this matters tremendously. When we spend weeks perfecting a hop-forward IPA or a delicate lager, we want the flavor to remain exactly as intended until it reaches your glass.

Understand the role of hop in craft beers.

Kegs and Freshness

One of the major advantages of kegged beer is how well it preserves those volatile hop compounds that give IPAs their distinctive character. Once tapped and properly pressurized, a keg can keep beer tasting fresh for weeks, which is significantly longer than bottled beer.

Environmental Impact

Kegs are far more sustainable than single-use packaging. Made from stainless steel, they can be used hundreds of times, making them a smart and environmentally friendly choice for serving craft beer.

The Most Common Types and Sizes of Beer Kegs

Not all kegs are created equal. Knowing the different sizes helps you choose the right one for your needs:

Cornelius Keg (5 gallons)

• Popular with homebrewers
• Yields roughly 53 pints
• Perfect for small gatherings

Sixth Barrel (5.16 gallons)

• The most popular size for small events
• Yields approximately 55 pints
• Ideal for gatherings of 15-20 people

Quarter Barrel (7.75 gallons)

• Often called a “pony keg”
• Yields around 82 pints
• Great for medium-sized parties

Half Barrel (15.5 gallons)

• The classic “full-sized” keg
• Yields approximately 165 pints
• The most common size in our taproom

Remember that beer kegs are heavy! A full half barrel weighs about 160 pounds, while a sixth barrel still comes in at roughly 60 pounds. Always store them in a cool place (ideally between 38-45°F) to maintain flavor.

The Journey of Craft Beer from Tank to Keg

Kegging is a crucial part of the process as it preserves the quality of craft beer. Once fermentation is complete, beer must be transferred carefully from fermentation tanks to sanitized kegs.

First, sanitation is key. Every keg is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any contaminants.

Next, oxygen exposure is minimized by purging kegs with CO₂ and filling them from the bottom up. This preserves carbonation and prevents off-flavors caused by oxidation.

Depending on the beer style, it may be naturally carbonated in the keg or force-carbonated to achieve an ideal CO₂ volume. A Czech lager, for example, carbonates differently than a nitro stout. This level of attention to detail often separates good craft beer from great craft beer.

Keg Tapping 101: How to Pour Craft Beer Like a Pro

Whether you’re setting up for a party or tapping a keg at home, proper technique ensures a great pour and minimal foam waste.

You’ll Need:

• The appropriate coupler for your keg type
• A CO₂ tank with a regulator
• Beer line and faucet
• Ice or refrigeration to keep the keg cold

Step-by-Step Keg Tapping:

1. Let the keg sit upright and undisturbed for at least 2 hours.
2. Align the coupler with the valve and twist it clockwise to lock.
3. Connect the gas line and set pressure (typically 10-12 PSI).
4. Pull out and down on the coupler handle to engage.
5. Open the faucet to release any excess foam.
6. Pour with your glass at a 45-degree angle, then straighten halfway.

The biggest mistakes we see are serving beer too warm or using incorrect pressure. Keep your keg cold (38-42°F is ideal) and avoid excessive use of a hand pump, which introduces oxygen and can spoil the beer.

Craft Beer Kegs for Events and Home Use

Kegged beer is a great choice for events, private gatherings, and even home use. from tap rooms to private events and homes.

When planning an event with kegged beer, remember to:

• Assign one person to monitor the keg
• Keep it cold with ice or refrigeration
• Offer at least two styles if possible
• Place your keg order at least a week in advance

Not ready to commit a full keg? Try a growler (64 oz) and crowler (32 oz) straight from the tap. These are excellent options for enjoying a fresh beer at home without the volume of a full keg.Explore events at LMBC to stay updated.

Explore the Craft Beer Experience at Little Miami Brewing

Our riverside taproom showcases a variety of craft beers with a rotating selection of fresh, local craft beers brewed just steps away.

Signature Beers in Kegs

Our lineup rotates seasonally, with options including:

• Grapefruit Peace Frog : A juicy and refreshing twist on our Peace Frog IPA.
• Bike Path : A Czech-style Pilsner brewed with British malt and noble German hops.
• Magpie Amber : A smooth amber ale with notes of toffee and caramel.
• Uno Más : A light, crisp Mexican lager that’s perfect for warm weather.

Events & Private Kegs

Planning a special event? We offer kegging options for weddings, corporate functions, and celebrations. Some customers even collaborate with us to create custom brews for their special occasions.

Elevate Your Craft Beer Game

By understanding how kegs work, you’ll deepen your appreciation of craft beer and enjoy it the way it was meant to be served: fresh, flavorful, and expertly poured.

At Little Miami Brewing Company, we take pride in every step of the process, from brewing to kegging. Every keg is quality-checked to ensure our community gets the best we have to offer.

Ready to experience exceptional craft beer straight from the source? Visit our taproom or ask us about keg options for your next event!