The Standard: Half-Barrel
When you see a "full size" keg at a liquor store, it's a Half-Barrel.
- Volume: 15.5 Gallons
- Pints: ~124 (16oz)
Smaller Options
- Quarter Barrel (Pony): 7.75 Gallons (~62 pints)
- Sixth Barrel (Sixtel): 5.16 Gallons (~41 pints) - Common for craft beer.
- Cornelius (Corny) Keg: 5 Gallons (~40 pints) - Used by homebrewers.
Tapping the Keg
Most US kegs use a "Sankey D" coupler. European kegs often use "Sankey S" or "A" couplers. They are not interchangeable!
Key Takeaways
- A Sixtel is the best choice for home kegerators
- Always keep the keg cold to prevent foaming
- Don't forget the CO2!