Types of kegs

 

When it comes to serving beer, understanding the different types of kegs is essential for both professional bartenders and home enthusiasts. Kegs come in various sizes and shapes, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. At K’s Deli & Grocery, we carry full-size kegs, pony kegs, and sixtels.

Full-size Keg (1/2, Half-Barrel Keg)

  • Size: 15.5 gallons (58.67 liters)

  • Dimensions: Approximately 23 inches tall and 16 inches in diameter

  • Beer Capacity: Around 120 16-ounce servings

  • Usage: This is the most common keg size found in bars and restaurants. It’s ideal for large events and parties due to its substantial capacity.

Pony Keg (1/4, Quarter-Barrel Keg)

  • Size: 7.75 gallons (29.34 liters)

  • Dimensions: Roughly 13 inches tall and 16 inches in diameter

  • Beer Capacity: Approximately 60 16-ounce servings

  • Usage: Often used for smaller gatherings, the quarter-barrel keg is easier to handle and transport than the half-barrel keg.

sixtel (1/6, Sixth-Barrel Keg)

  • Size: 5.16 gallons (19.53 liters)

  • Dimensions: About 23 inches tall and 9 inches in diameter

  • Beer Capacity: Around 40 16-ounce servings

  • Usage: Perfect for home kegerators and smaller events, sixtels are popular among craft breweries and homebrewers.

Why a Full Barrel is Called a “Half-Barrel”

The terminology surrounding keg sizes can be confusing, particularly when it comes to the “half-barrel” keg, which is often considered a full-size keg. This naming convention stems from the traditional brewing industry measurements:

  • Full Barrel: Historically, a standard barrel of beer in the United States is defined as 31 gallons. This is a legacy measurement that dates back to the early days of commercial brewing.

  • Half-Barrel Keg: The keg most commonly referred to as a “full keg” is actually a half-barrel, holding 15.5 gallons. This is literally half of the traditional 31-gallon barrel.

The use of “half-barrel” to describe what most people think of as a full keg is simply a reflection of these historical standards. The term “sixtel” is another example of traditional measurement influencing modern terminology:

  • Sixth-Barrel: A sixtel is a sixth of a full 31-gallon barrel, which equates to 5.16 gallons. This size is particularly popular with craft brewers and homebrewers due to its convenient size for storage and the ability to offer a variety of beers without needing excessive space.