What Are Beer Kegs Made Out Of?

Beer kegs are an essential part of the brewing industry. They are used to store and transport beer from the brewery to the pub or bar. But have you ever wondered what beer kegs are made out of? In this article, we will explore the different materials used to make beer kegs, their properties, and how they affect the taste of beer.

Beer kegs are an essential component of the beer industry, used to store and transport beer from breweries to bars, restaurants, and other venues where beer is served. They come in various sizes and shapes, but one common question that arises is what materials are used to make beer kegs. In this article, we will explore the common materials used for manufacturing beer kegs.

The History of Beer Kegs

Beer kegs have been around for centuries. The earliest kegs were made out of wood and were used to store and transport beer. Over time, metal kegs replaced wooden ones, and today, most beer kegs are made out of stainless steel or aluminum.

Wooden Beer Kegs

Wooden kegs were the first type of beer kegs. They were made out of oak or pine and were used to store and transport beer. Wooden kegs had a limited lifespan, and they were prone to leaks and contamination. They were also difficult to clean, which made them less hygienic.

Metal Beer Kegs

Metal kegs were first introduced in the 1950s. They quickly replaced wooden kegs because they were more durable and easier to clean. Metal kegs are also more hygienic than wooden kegs.

Materials Used to Make Beer Kegs

Today, most beer kegs are made out of stainless steel or aluminum. These materials are ideal for beer kegs because they are durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

Stainless Steel Beer Kegs

Stainless steel beer kegs are the most common type of beer keg. They are made out of a type of steel that contains at least 10.5% chromium. This gives them their corrosion-resistant properties. Stainless steel kegs are also very durable and can last for many years.

Aluminum Beer Kegs

Aluminum beer kegs are also popular. They are made out of aluminum, which is a lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant material. Aluminum kegs are also recyclable, which makes them an environmentally friendly option.

How Material Affects the Taste of Beer

The material used to make beer kegs can affect the taste of beer. This is because different materials have different properties that can affect the flavor of beer.

Key Takeaway: Beer kegs are most commonly made out of stainless steel or aluminum, which are ideal materials due to their durability and corrosion-resistant properties. The size of the keg can affect the taste of beer by influencing the pressure and carbonation levels, and it is important to clean and sanitize kegs regularly to ensure the quality of the beer.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a neutral material that does not affect the taste of beer. This makes it an ideal material for beer kegs because it does not alter the flavor of the beer.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a more reactive material than stainless steel. It can react with the acids in beer, which can affect the taste of the beer. However, most aluminum kegs are lined with a layer of plastic or epoxy to prevent this from happening.

Plastic Beer Kegs

Plastic beer kegs are a newer alternative to metal kegs. They are made out of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or PET plastic. Plastic kegs have the advantage of being lightweight, which makes them easier to transport. They are also recyclable and have a lower carbon footprint than metal kegs. However, plastic kegs can be more susceptible to punctures and leaks, and they can also affect the taste of beer.

Glass Beer Kegs

Glass beer kegs are another alternative to metal kegs. They are made out of thick, tempered glass and are often used for special events or tastings. Glass kegs are transparent, which allows people to see the beer inside. They are also easy to clean and sanitize. However, glass kegs are fragile and can break easily, which makes them less practical for regular use.

Copper Beer Kegs

Copper beer kegs were commonly used in the past. They are made out of pure copper, which has antimicrobial properties that can help keep the beer fresh. Copper kegs are also very attractive and can add a unique aesthetic to a pub or bar. However, copper is a reactive material that can affect the taste of beer, and copper kegs are expensive and difficult to maintain.

How Size Affects Beer Kegs

Beer kegs come in different sizes, which can affect the taste and quality of beer. The most common sizes of beer kegs are the half barrel (15.5 gallons), quarter barrel (7.75 gallons), and sixth barrel (5.16 gallons).

Key takeaway: Most beer kegs are made out of stainless steel or aluminum because they are durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel is a neutral material that does not affect the taste of beer, while aluminum can react with the acids in beer and may affect the taste. Other materials, such as plastic, glass, and copper, also have their advantages and drawbacks. The size of the keg can affect the pressure and carbonation of the beer, which can affect the taste. Proper maintenance of beer kegs through regular cleaning and sanitizing is essential to ensure the quality and taste of the beer.

Half Barrel

Half barrel kegs are the most common size of beer keg. They hold 15.5 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to 165 12-ounce cans of beer. Half barrel kegs are often used in commercial settings, such as bars and restaurants.

Quarter Barrel

Quarter barrel kegs hold 7.75 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to 82 12-ounce cans of beer. They are often used in smaller commercial settings, such as pubs and breweries.

Sixth Barrel

Sixth barrel kegs hold 5.16 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to 55 12-ounce cans of beer. They are often used in homebrewing and smaller commercial settings, such as taprooms and brewpubs.

The size of the keg can affect the taste of beer because it affects the pressure and carbonation of the beer. Larger kegs require more pressure to dispense the beer, which can affect the carbonation level. Smaller kegs require less pressure, which can result in a flatter beer.

Maintenance of Beer Kegs

Proper maintenance of beer kegs is essential to ensure the quality and taste of the beer. Kegs should be cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent contamination and off-flavors.

Cleaning

Cleaning a beer keg involves removing any leftover beer, yeast, and other unwanted materials from the keg. The keg should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water, and a cleaning solution should be used to remove any remaining residue.

Sanitizing

Sanitizing a beer keg involves killing any bacteria or other microorganisms that may be present in the keg. A sanitizing solution should be used to ensure that the keg is free from harmful bacteria.

FAQs – What are beer kegs made out of?

What materials are commonly used to make beer kegs?

There are several materials that are frequently used to make beer kegs. The two most common materials are stainless steel and aluminum. Stainless steel is preferred by many brewers because it is strong, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. Aluminum is also a popular choice because it is lightweight, easy to transport, and recyclable.

How are beer kegs constructed?

Beer kegs are typically constructed using a process called deep drawing. This involves taking a flat sheet of metal and forming it into a cylindrical shape. The bottom and top of the keg are then welded onto the cylinder, forming a sealed container. Depending on the design of the keg, additional components such as handles, tap systems, and decorative elements may be added.

Why are beer kegs made out of metal instead of plastic?

Beer kegs are typically made out of metal because they need to be strong and durable enough to withstand the pressure of carbonation and the weight of the beer inside. Metal is also a better barrier against oxygen, which can cause the beer to spoil. While plastic may seem like a more lightweight and convenient option, it is not able to provide the same level of protection for the beer.

Are there any environmental concerns related to the use of metal beer kegs?

While metal beer kegs are generally considered to be environmentally friendly due to their ability to be reused and recycled, there are still some concerns to keep in mind. The production of metal kegs requires a significant amount of energy and resources, and the transportation of empty and full kegs can also have a significant environmental impact. However, compared to other forms of single-use packaging, reusable metal kegs are generally considered to be a more sustainable option.

How long do beer kegs last?

The lifespan of a beer keg varies depending on a number of factors, including the material it is made from, how well it is maintained, and how often it is used. Stainless steel and aluminum kegs are both very durable and can last for several years or even decades if properly cared for. Regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary to ensure that the kegs remain free of contamination and continue to function properly.