by Wellsy » Tue Dec 27, 2022 8:15 am
I have been asked by a member to share some ideas on kegging home brew instead of the traditional bottling. He seems to think I am the expert, I don't believe I am by any stretch of the imagination but I have done it, and find it very rewarding. It is not difficult and there are heaps of guides on the interweb thing, most of them are pretty good.
To do this you will need some basic equipment, a keg, CO2 and regulator, a fridge that will fit and cool your keg, some beer and gas line, and a dispensing tap. These can be as cheap or expensive as you like.
The picnic tap is a great first tap and at $2:35 very affordable, likewise the oxebar ( plastic) 8 litre keg with pressure cap assembly approx $22;00 all up. your CO2 will be the biggest investment and it is worth looking to see what is available locally. you can buy a bottle, make sure it can be refilled locally, or hire them on an annual basis.
As to how you pressurise the keg, transfer the finished wort minimising the exposure to oxygen etc I will see if there is an interest before I prattle on.
I can say it is very rewarding to have beer on tap, it is equally rewarding not to have a sink full of empties, both prior to filling and after draining, and can recommend this for those thinking about it. There are some very seasoned brewers on here and I am sure they have more knowledge than myself to share.
Like always if you have questions don't hesitate to reach out as I have deliberately left this very much a broad brush description