Mini Kegs

Spursmatt · Feb 14, 2013

Hi All,

I was thinking about possibly getting a 5L mini keg, Are they any good?.

I have only just started brewing so quite inexperienced..

Also one quick question as that of priming sugar into the 5L keg, how much would I need to put in and how. Like I say due to time I use carbonation drops at the mo and was wondering how it was done!..

Many Thanks

johnnyh · Feb 14, 2013

Hiya,

I'm quite happily using mini kegs with a beer king 2000 co2 tap. I've got 8 in rotation now.

I have only put ales in, and for that I use a tablespoon of sugar to prime. So far so good and haven't had any problems.

I use a no rinse cleaner, called Oxi something or other, and find them simple and convenient.

: cheers:

Rento · Feb 15, 2013

johnnyh said:
Hiya,

I'm quite happily using mini kegs with a beer king 2000 co2 tap. I've got 8 in rotation now.

I have only put ales in, and for that I use a tablespoon of sugar to prime. So far so good and haven't had any problems.

I use a no rinse cleaner, called Oxi something or other, and find them simple and convenient.

:

Out of interest, how long does the beer last in one of these kegs once open? Also do you need to use a CO2 tap, or can you prime in the keg?

Thanks

johnnyh · Feb 15, 2013

I use CO2 and that way it seems to last as long as... Well I've never had one go bad.

If you use easy kegs which have a way of letting air in to allow the beer out, then I guess it would need drinking within a few days to prevent oxidation of the beer.

johnnyh · Feb 15, 2013

Oh and you still prime into the keg, approx 1 tablespoon

Spursmatt · Feb 16, 2013

Many thanks for the info Johnnyh

I have purchased a mini keg starter kit from a home brew supply shop in Salisbury..

Looking forward to getting stuck in!..

I am fed up with bottling all the time..

johnnyh · Feb 16, 2013

I tend to do 2 or 3 kegs and the rest into bottles... be that 4 to 8 bottles.

That way I get to keep an eye on it and it is easier to sample

I couldn't fit the keg in the fridge.. well I could but the Mrs was having none of it, so until I get hold of a Husky type fridge, I have found a cool bag that takes the keg and has a top flap that allows the tap and CO2 bit to sit out of it.

: cheers:

Spursmatt · Mar 19, 2013

Sorry to dreg up an old thread, thought it would be better rather than start a new one.

Just to confirm as I'm going to prime this conckerwood beast into kegs tomorrow evening from my carboy..

I have 3 5L kegs

One cup of water boiled and then put in 1 TABLESPOON of sugar!..

Transfer to keg, poor in beer and bobs your uncle!...

Missed anything guys?..

Just defo want this to go right!...

Cheers
Matty

johnnyh · Mar 19, 2013

I've never used any boiled water... I just put a tablespoon of sugar in and fill up with beer :thumb:

Zedilly · Mar 19, 2013

If using the beer king 2000 tap with co2 bulbs do you still need to prime with sugar?
I'd like the idea of having a small keg to take to parties without the sediment created by the fermented priming sugar sloshing around in the bottom.

sam.k · Mar 19, 2013

I was just thinking the same thing.

johnnyh · Mar 19, 2013

I think you would still want to prime it (all be it you don't use much sugar), as the co2 helps pressure for dispensing, not carbonation.

I can't say I have had any issues with sediment, but I do sit the keg in a cool bag and let it settle when it comes in from the cold for tapping.

sam.k · Mar 19, 2013

Well I just ordered a starter kit from brew smarter. You get 3 kegs with rubber things, 10 co2 bottles and the tap thing. Looking forward to taking my brew to friends :)

bobsbeer · Mar 19, 2013

Just be careful you don't screw on the down pipe on the valve assembly too hard or it will split.

BIGJIM72 · Mar 19, 2013

I'm pretty sure the instructions that came with my minis back in the dim & distant past suggested up to but no more than 8gm of sugar per keg (these were the kegs without the fitted tap & to be used with something like the beer king) as you will be using CO2 to dispense. I bought the same kit a few years ago. The plastic tap works fine & I got about 18 months to 2 years heavy use from it. The Party Star tap is much better in my opinion-talk to Joe at Leyland homebrew (only UK stockist). He also carries spare dip tubes (if you do buy a spare dip tube,& I would advise you to) make sure you specify which brand of tap you have (different taps have different fittings as I found to my cost)

Mini kegs are not as popular as they could be,but if you are taking a beer to a party/going on holiday/fishing they are ideal.

oz11 · Mar 20, 2013

I like them...I'm yet to split a dip tube but I do have spares just in case...

johnnyh · Mar 20, 2013

cool, a 3 keg set up :)

I've only the one tap at the moment, but was thinking a second one wouldnt go amiss :thumb:

Andyhull · Mar 20, 2013

How much are they and wher do you get them from?

oz11 · Mar 20, 2013

I get mine from Leyland generally. I have room for another one on the shelf and four more underneath but demand is greater than supply at the moment

Andyhull · Mar 20, 2013

:thumb:

Mini Kegs

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