Navigating the world of beer kegs can feel like deciphering a secret language. From pony kegs to full-sized barrels, understanding the different sizes is crucial, whether you’re stocking a bar, planning a party, or just curious about your beer consumption.
One of the most common sources of confusion is figuring out exactly how many ounces of beer are in each keg size. So, how many ounces in a 1/6 keg, exactly?
This guide will break down the mystery of keg sizes, focusing specifically on the 1/6 keg, also known as a sixtel. We’ll cover everything from ounce conversions to the factors you should consider when choosing the right keg for your needs.
Decoding the 1/6 Keg: The Sixtel
If you’re planning a party or stocking up your home bar, you might be wondering about keg sizes. One of the most popular choices is the 1/6 keg.
What is a 1/6 keg?
A 1/6 keg, also known as a sixtel, is one-sixth the size of a standard U.S. beer barrel. It’s a great option for smaller gatherings or for offering a variety of beers without committing to a full-sized keg.
Ounces in a 1/6 Keg: The Definitive Answer
So, how much beer do you actually get in a 1/6 keg? A 1/6 keg holds roughly 661 fluid ounces of beer.
Keep in mind that this number is approximate. Slight variations can occur due to brewery practices and filling techniques.
Gallons and Liters: Equivalent Measurements
For those who prefer other units of measurement, a 1/6 keg contains about 5.16 gallons of beer, or roughly 20 liters.
1/6 Keg vs. Other Keg Sizes: A Comparative Overview
So, a sixth-barrel keg holds 661 ounces of beer. But how does that stack up against other keg sizes?
The Half Barrel (Full Size Keg)
The half-barrel keg is what most people think of when they think “keg.” It’s the standard full-size keg, holding 15.5 gallons, which works out to 1,984 ounces of beer. This is the keg you’ll want for really large parties or if you’re running a bar or restaurant.
The Quarter Barrel (Pony Keg)
The quarter barrel, sometimes called a pony keg, is a mid-size option. It holds 7.75 gallons or 992 ounces. These are nice for smaller get-togethers or if you have a dual-tap system and want to offer a couple of different beers.
The Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)
Cornelius kegs are often used by home brewers. They usually hold 5 gallons or 640 ounces.
The Mini Keg
Mini kegs are small and portable, holding around 1.32 gallons or 169 ounces. These are great if you only want a few beers and don’t want to deal with a larger keg.
Comparison Charts: Ounces and Servings
You can find charts online that compare all the different keg sizes and show you how many servings you’ll get from each one. These charts can be really helpful when you’re trying to decide which keg size is right for your needs.
Servings from a 1/6 Keg: Maximizing Your Beer
So, you’ve got a sixth-barrel keg and you’re wondering how many servings you can get out of it? Here’s a breakdown based on serving size.
12-Ounce Servings: How Many Beers?
If you’re serving your beer in standard 12-ounce glasses, you can expect to pour approximately 55 beers from a 1/6 keg. Keep in mind that this is an approximate number. The actual number of beers you pour can vary a little.
16-Ounce Servings: Pint Glasses
Serving your beer in pint glasses? Then you’ll get about 41 pints from a 1/6 keg.
20-Ounce Servings: Tall Glasses
If you’re using those taller, slightly bigger glasses that hold 20 ounces, you’ll get around 33 servings from a 1/6 keg.
Factors Affecting Serving Yield
It’s important to remember that the numbers above are estimates. Several factors can influence the actual number of servings you get from your keg. Foam is a big one. If your keg is producing a lot of foam, you’re going to lose some beer. Spillage is another factor, of course, and so is over-pouring. If your bartenders or your guests are a little generous with their pours, you won’t get as many servings out of the keg.
Choosing the Right Keg: Factors to Consider
A sixth-barrel keg might be the perfect size for your party, but before you buy, here are a few things to consider:
Event Size and Guest Count
How many people are you expecting? If it’s just a few close friends, a sixth-barrel keg should be plenty. For a larger crowd, you might want to upgrade to a half-barrel.
It’s a good idea to estimate how much beer each person will drink. Think about the length of the event, whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal party, and how much your friends typically drink.
Kegerator Compatibility
Will the keg fit in your kegerator? This is a really important question! Kegs come in different sizes, so you’ll want to make sure your kegerator can handle the one you choose.
A sixth-barrel keg is about 23 3/8 inches tall and 9 1/4 inches in diameter.
Storage Space
Where are you going to keep the keg? A smaller keg, like a sixth-barrel, is easier to store if you don’t have a lot of extra room.
Type of Beer
Some beers only come in certain keg sizes. Check with your beer supplier to see what’s available in a sixth-barrel.
Purchasing and Maintaining Your Keg
Once you’ve decided on the right keg size, you’ll need to know where to buy one and how to keep it in good working order.
Where to Buy Kegs
You can buy kegs from beer distributors, homebrew supply stores, and online retailers like UBC Group USA.
Cost Considerations
The amount you’ll pay for a keg depends on several factors: the initial cost of the keg itself, the cost of the beer, and any rental fees you may have to pay. A 1/6 keg typically costs around $90, not including the beer.
Keg Maintenance and Cleaning
Keep your keg and tap lines clean. Regular cleaning prevents contamination and keeps your beer tasting its best.
Keg Couplers
A keg coupler connects the keg to the tap system. If you’re using an import keg, make sure the coupler is compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 12 oz servings in a 1/6 keg?
A 1/6 keg, also known as a sixtel, contains approximately 55 12-ounce servings. This makes it a popular choice for smaller gatherings, homebrewers, and restaurants with limited tap options. It’s a manageable size that offers a good balance between variety and volume, ensuring you have enough beer without committing to a larger keg.
How many ounces is a 1/6 gallon keg?
A 1/6 keg contains 5.16 gallons of liquid. To convert that to ounces, you multiply 5.16 gallons by 128 ounces per gallon, giving you a total of 660.48 ounces. So, a 1/6 keg holds roughly 660 ounces of beer. This is a useful number to remember when calculating how much beer you’ll need for an event or when comparing prices per ounce to other keg sizes or packaged beer options.
Wrapping Up
So, if you’re trying to figure out what size keg to buy, remember that a sixth-barrel keg, or sixtel, holds about 661 fluid ounces, which is roughly 5.16 gallons or 20 liters of beer. The 1/6 keg is a good choice if you’re hosting a smaller gathering or if you don’t have much room to store a larger keg.
Understanding keg sizes is key to making a good decision. Before you buy, think about how many people you expect, whether the keg will fit in your kegerator, and where you’re going to store it.
With the information in this article, you can confidently pick the right keg size and make sure that you have enough beer for your party without wasting any. Cheers!