A staple of parties is the keg, primarily due to convenience and easy clean-up. A keg is generally a metal barrel (although wood is also used), and typically contains beer, but hard ciders and sodas also are available. The total cost of a keg includes not only the contents of the keg, but also the tap to access the contents and an ice bucket to keep it cool. The kegs themselves are the property of the retailer that filled it and must be returned after use.
Typical costs:
A keg can cost anywhere from $40-$250, depending on the size of the keg, the type of the beer and local rates.
The smallest size of a keg holds a little more than 5 gallons (about 55 12-oz cups) and is often called a sixer or a 1/6 keg. It typically costs $40-$80.
For example, a Budweiser 1/6 keg costs $45, Blue Moon costs about $60, specialty seasonal ales such as Samuel Adams OctoberFest cost about $65. Total Wine, a multi-state beverage retailer, rents 1/6 kegs of Killian's Irish Red Lager for $46 plus deposit and Bud Light Lime for $48 plus deposit..
The next size up is a pony keg or 1/4 keg, which hold 7.75 gallons (about 82 12-oz cups). A 1/4 keg of Miller Lite costs about $67 while a 1/4 keg of Modelo costs about $80.
A full size keg holds about 15.5 gallons (165 12-oz cups) and is sometimes referred to as a 1/2 keg. The full-size kegs typically start at about $100 for American draft beers. Specialty beers, lagers and ales can cost from $125-$250. For example, Bevmo rents kegs of Budweiser starting at about $100.
In addition to the purchase of the contents of the keg, there are additional fees required included a deposit on the keg ($30-$100), a deposit on a tap ($15-$50), a rental fee for the tap ($2-$15 weekly), a deposit for an ice bucket ($2-$20 weekly).
When renting a keg, customers will receive a full keg of beer, as well as the optional tap (which includes a hose) and a large container to hold the ice.
Additional costs:
Some refrigerators are specially made for housing and dispensing kegs. Home keg coolers -- or kegerators -- start at about $300 for models that fit 1/4 or 1/6 kegs. Larger units that fit a full-size keg or multiple 1/6 kegs start at about $500. The units typically have a tap installed in the top to dispense the beer and store the keg in a chilled environment. Kegerators can keep a keg fresh for up to two month and do not come with the keg included. Kegs can be rented for extended periods.
Plastic cups are typically sold in bags of 50 for about $6-$8.
Bags of ice to fill the bucket cost $3-$5 each. Generally, at least two bags are needed; more for larger keg sizes.
Beer pong is a popular pastime at parties with kegs. Beer pong tables cost about $100-$200. For example, BPONG sells tables for $120-$140.
Beer bongs (funnels for chugging beer) generally cost $10-$50.
Discounts:
Beers are typically discounted around major holidays such as Fourth of July and Memorial Day. Those might be times to find discounts on keg-size quantities.
Shopping for a keg:
Kegs can be heavy, so make sure to have someone capable of carrying the weight. Each gallon of beer weighs about 11 pounds, so for a full-size keg be prepared to carry up to 165 pounds.
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