A keg of beer typically costs between $184.17 and $217.69 for a 1/2 barrel (15.5 gallons), including tax and deposit, depending on the brand. If you also require a tapper for dispensing, the total cost can range from $259.53 to $293.05.
Understanding Keg Pricing
The price of a keg of beer isn't just about the beer itself; it also includes mandatory fees and potential equipment rentals. The most common size for purchasing a keg is a 1/2 barrel, which holds approximately 15.5 gallons of beer.
Sample Keg Prices (1/2 Barrel - 15.5 Gallons)
Here's a breakdown of typical costs for popular beer brands in a 1/2 barrel size, including common additional fees:
| Beer Brand | Keg Price (incl. Tax & Deposit) | Keg Price (incl. Tapper, Tax & Deposit) |
|---|---|---|
| Michelob Ultra | $217.69 | $293.05 |
| Busch Light | $184.17 | $259.53 |
| Yuengling Lager | $204.28 | $279.64 |
| Yuengling Flight | $204.28 | $279.64 |
- The "Keg Price (incl. Tax & Deposit)" column represents the cost of the beer in the keg, plus applicable sales tax and a refundable deposit for the keg shell. This deposit is returned to you when you bring the empty keg back.
- The "Keg Price (incl. Tapper, Tax & Deposit)" column includes all the costs from the first column, plus an additional fee for renting a tapper. A tapper (or keg pump) is essential equipment used to dispense the beer from the keg.
Factors Influencing Keg Cost
Several factors can influence the final price you pay for a keg:
- Beer Brand and Type: Premium, craft, or imported beers generally have a higher price point compared to domestic light lagers.
- Keg Size: While 1/2 barrels (15.5 gallons) are common for larger gatherings, smaller sizes like 1/4 barrel (7.75 gallons) or 1/6 barrel (5.16 gallons) are also available and will have different price structures, often with a higher cost per ounce than a 1/2 barrel.
- Taxes and Deposits: A refundable deposit for the keg shell is standard. This encourages the return of the empty keg. Sales tax is also applied to the purchase.
- Equipment Rental: If you do not own a tapper or require tubs for icing the keg, these items are typically available for rent from the distributor, adding to your overall expense.
- Location and Distributor: Prices can vary based on your geographic location and the specific beer distributor you purchase from.
