Operation Kegerator

[SBOmarc]

Is now complete. The 7.75 gallon Sierra Neveda Pale Ale is flowing. Will be adjusting the CO2 as the keg cools down.

For you home brewers, how does one go about getting home brew into a keg?

[jeff]

Is now complete. The 7.75 gallon Sierra Neveda Pale Ale is flowing. Will be adjusting the CO2 as the keg cools down.

For you home brewers, how does one go about getting home brew into a keg?

You open the top and pour it in

Seriously, I'm not sure how SN kegs work, but most home-brewers are using reconditioned 5-gallon soda kegs. There is an oval lid, with a good sized o-ring, that clamps shut and won't budge when you hit it with some CO2.

I was going to suggest SNPA as a first keg for your keggerator, so nice call. What is your serving pressure?

[SBOmarc]

Waiting for the temperature to come up, serving at 10 psi. First one is foamy and quick, the second pours are just fine. Still want to add some of my pals home brews and not sure that the 5 gallon will work in this. Waiting for your thoughts.

Thanks Jeff.

[DrinkyBanjo]

You will need other parts to make it work with home brew. Check out http://www.beveragefactory.com/. That is where I got my conversion Kegerator kit for my fridge. They have the parts to allow you to server home brew.

[craigthom]

I like a lot of beers, but a keg of SNPA is what I'd pick. Do the quarter barrels have the stripes painted on them, too?

[SBOmarc]

Yes, the quarter does have the stripes. Enjoying this very much. The test will be over the weekend when people start "dropping" by.

[SBOmarc]

Have run into CO2 issues. One tank has been lost and I am unable to find the leak after hooking up the second. They are only costing $8 per tank and it's close by, but my wanting to master this operation is driving me crazy.

[fishnbowljoe]

I'm not familiar with the C02 lines in this particular type of application. But, when I used to bartend, sometimes we had problems with the o-rings on the connector falling out or not seating all the way. Another problem was one of the other bartenders wasn't getting the regulator/line tightened all the way. One trick I learned to clean the connector on the tank, was to open the valve on the tank for just a split second before hooking it up. This will blow out any dirt or debris that might have accumulated. Hope I could be of some help. Good Luck. Joe

[SBOmarc]

Still working on the leak, but kicked the pony of SNPA and hooked up a Firestone Double Barrel. So far, so good. This beer is getting superior reviews over the SNPA, and I am surprised.

[DrinkyBanjo]

Are you sure you are really out of gas? I have a 5 LB tank of CO2 and it went down to about 1/2 empty on my first keg (Sam Adams Summer). When I tapped my second (Sam Adams Octoberfest) the pressure went back up again. I also thought I had a leak but apparently this is normal. What I've been told is that it will hang out in the 'middle' and after a when it finally reaches the red you have about 1 keg left. I think 1 5 LB tank should last 10 - 20 1/6 kegs.

Also, did you try the soapy water test to find the leak? I did and didn't see any bubbles which is how I know I really didn't have a problem. Just to be sure when I changed kegs I Teflon taped my gas connections.