Understanding beer keg sizes can be confusing, especially when you encounter terms like “sixtel.” If you’re a homebrewer, a bar owner, or simply a beer enthusiast who likes to host parties, knowing how many beers you can pour from a sixtel is valuable information. This comprehensive guide will break down the sixtel, its volume, and how many beers you can expect to serve from it.
What Exactly is a Sixtel Keg?
A sixtel, also known as a sixth-barrel keg, is a common keg size in the United States. It’s smaller than a standard half-barrel keg, making it a popular choice for smaller gatherings and for bars that want to offer a wider variety of beers without committing to large quantities of each. It’s a manageable size for both storage and transportation.
Sixtel Dimensions and Volume
The dimensions of a sixtel can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but they generally hold approximately 5.16 gallons of beer. This is a crucial number to remember when calculating the number of beers you can pour. In terms of dimensions, a sixtel is typically around 23 inches tall and 9 inches in diameter. This relatively compact size makes it easier to fit in smaller kegerators or refrigerators.
Gallons to Ounces Conversion
To calculate the number of beers, we need to convert gallons to ounces. Since there are 128 ounces in a gallon, a sixtel containing 5.16 gallons holds approximately 660.48 ounces of beer (5.16 gallons * 128 ounces/gallon = 660.48 ounces).
Calculating the Number of Beers in a Sixtel
Now that we know the total ounces of beer in a sixtel, we can calculate how many beers you can pour, depending on the serving size.
Standard Pint Servings
The most common serving size for beer is a pint, which is typically 16 ounces. To determine how many pints are in a sixtel, we divide the total ounces (660.48) by the serving size (16 ounces): 660.48 ounces / 16 ounces/pint = 41.28 pints. Therefore, you can expect to pour approximately 41 pints of beer from a sixtel. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and some beer may be lost during the tapping and dispensing process.
Other Serving Sizes: Growlers, Samplers, and Smaller Pints
While pints are the most common, you may be serving other sizes, such as growlers, sampler glasses, or smaller pints. Let’s explore how these different serving sizes impact the number of beers you can get from a sixtel.
Growler Fills
Growlers typically hold 64 ounces of beer. A sixtel contains approximately 660.48 ounces. Dividing the total ounces by the growler size (64 ounces) gives us an approximate number of growler fills: 660.48 ounces / 64 ounces/growler = 10.32 growlers. Therefore, you can fill about 10 growlers from a sixtel.
Sampler Glasses
Sampler glasses are much smaller, often ranging from 4 to 8 ounces. Let’s assume a sampler glass is 5 ounces. Dividing the total ounces in a sixtel (660.48) by 5 ounces per sampler glass yields: 660.48 ounces / 5 ounces/sampler = 132.09 samplers. So, you could pour roughly 132 sampler glasses from a sixtel.
Smaller Pints (12 oz)
Some establishments offer smaller pints, often 12 ounces. Using the same calculation: 660.48 ounces / 12 ounces/smaller pint = 55.04 smaller pints. You can pour around 55 of these smaller servings from a sixtel.
Factors Affecting the Number of Servings
While the calculations above provide a good estimate, several factors can affect the actual number of beers you can serve from a sixtel.
Foam and Waste
One of the biggest factors is foam. When you tap a keg, some beer is lost as foam, especially in the initial pours. The amount of foam depends on factors such as the beer’s carbonation level, the temperature of the keg, and the dispensing system. A well-maintained and properly calibrated dispensing system will minimize foam and waste.
Line Loss and Connections
Line loss can also contribute to waste. This refers to the beer that remains in the beer lines after you’ve finished pouring. The length and diameter of your beer lines can impact the amount of line loss. Poorly maintained or leaking connections can also lead to beer waste.
Pouring Technique
The pouring technique plays a significant role. A skilled bartender can minimize foam and ensure accurate pours, maximizing the number of servings from a keg. Proper training for bartenders is crucial in reducing waste.
Beer Type and Carbonation
Different beer styles have different carbonation levels. Highly carbonated beers, like some wheat beers or Belgian ales, tend to produce more foam than less carbonated beers. This can result in slightly fewer servings from a sixtel.
Why Choose a Sixtel Keg?
There are several compelling reasons to choose a sixtel keg over larger or smaller keg sizes.
Variety
Sixtels allow you to offer a wider variety of beers on tap without needing to purchase large quantities of each. This is particularly beneficial for bars that want to cater to diverse tastes or offer seasonal brews.
Manageability
Their smaller size makes sixtels easier to handle and store compared to larger half-barrel kegs. This is an advantage for smaller bars or homebrewers with limited space.
Freshness
Because the beer is consumed more quickly than in a larger keg, a sixtel helps ensure that the beer remains fresh and doesn’t go stale before it’s finished. This is particularly important for craft beers that are often best enjoyed fresh.
Cost-Effectiveness
For smaller events or gatherings, a sixtel can be more cost-effective than purchasing a larger keg if you are unsure if you’ll finish it. You avoid wasting a significant amount of beer.
Sixtel vs. Other Keg Sizes
Understanding how a sixtel compares to other common keg sizes can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Half-Barrel (Full Keg)
A half-barrel keg, also known as a full keg, holds approximately 15.5 gallons of beer. This is the most common keg size and is often used for high-volume beers. It contains roughly 124 pints.
Quarter-Barrel (Pony Keg)
A quarter-barrel keg, often called a pony keg, holds approximately 7.75 gallons of beer. It’s larger than a sixtel but smaller than a half-barrel. It contains about 62 pints.
Corny Keg
Corny kegs are primarily used by homebrewers and are typically 5 gallons in size, very similar to a sixtel. They are easy to clean and refill, making them ideal for small-batch brewing.
Tips for Maximizing Servings from a Sixtel
Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of your sixtel keg:
Proper Keg Storage
Store your keg at the correct temperature. Most beers are best stored between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluctuations in temperature can lead to increased foam and waste.
Maintain Your Dispensing System
Regularly clean and maintain your dispensing system, including beer lines, faucets, and couplers. This helps prevent bacteria buildup and ensures a smooth pour.
Use a Quality CO2 System
Ensure that your CO2 system is properly regulated and providing the correct pressure. Incorrect pressure can cause over-carbonation or under-carbonation, both of which can affect foam levels.
Train Your Staff
If you’re a bar owner, invest in training your bartenders on proper pouring techniques. This includes tilting the glass at a 45-degree angle and opening the faucet fully to reduce foam.
Pour Slowly and Deliberately
Avoid rushing the pour. A slow and deliberate pour allows the beer to settle properly and minimizes foam.
Conclusion
A sixtel keg offers a great balance of variety, manageability, and freshness. While you can expect to pour approximately 41 pints from a sixtel, factors like foam, pouring technique, and serving size can influence the actual number. By understanding these factors and implementing the tips outlined above, you can maximize your yield and enjoy every last drop of your favorite beer. Whether you’re hosting a party, running a bar, or simply enjoying a cold one at home, knowing the ins and outs of a sixtel keg will enhance your beer-drinking experience.
What exactly is a sixtel keg?
A sixtel keg, also known as a sixth-barrel keg, is a common size used in the brewing industry for packaging and dispensing beer. It represents one-sixth of a standard US beer barrel, which holds 31 gallons. Sixtel kegs are popular among smaller breweries and bars due to their convenient size, allowing for a wider variety of beers to be offered without committing to larger volumes.
They are also a great option for homebrewers who want to share their creations with friends and family. Their portability and manageable size make them easy to transport and store, compared to the larger half-barrel kegs. This is why you often see sixtels available in a wider variety of beer styles in local bars and restaurants.
How many 12-ounce beers are in a sixtel?
A sixtel keg contains approximately 5.17 gallons of beer. Since there are 128 ounces in a gallon, a sixtel holds around 662 ounces of beer (5.17 gallons x 128 ounces/gallon). To calculate the number of 12-ounce servings, divide the total ounces by the serving size: 662 ounces / 12 ounces/beer = approximately 55.17 beers.
Therefore, a sixtel keg contains roughly 55 twelve-ounce beers. It’s important to note that this is an approximate number, and slight variations can occur due to factors like foaming during dispensing or leaving some beer behind in the keg. However, you can generally expect to get around 55 servings from a sixtel.
How many pints are in a sixtel keg?
To determine the number of pints in a sixtel, we first need to know the volume of a pint. A standard US pint is 16 ounces. As previously established, a sixtel keg holds approximately 662 ounces of beer. To find the number of pints, we divide the total ounces in the keg by the ounces in a pint: 662 ounces / 16 ounces/pint = approximately 41.37 pints.
Thus, a sixtel keg contains roughly 41 pints of beer. Again, this is an approximation, and the actual number of pints may vary slightly depending on dispensing practices. However, this calculation provides a reliable estimate for planning purposes.
How much does a sixtel keg typically weigh?
The weight of a sixtel keg varies depending on whether it is full or empty, and the type of beer it contains. An empty sixtel keg typically weighs around 13-15 pounds. The weight of the beer itself will add significantly to the overall weight.
A full sixtel keg can weigh anywhere from 55 to 65 pounds. The variation is due to the specific gravity of the beer. Beers with higher alcohol content or more sugars tend to be denser and therefore heavier. However, this range provides a good estimate for handling and transporting a sixtel.
What are the advantages of using a sixtel keg over other keg sizes?
Sixtel kegs offer several advantages, particularly for smaller establishments or homebrewers. Their smaller size allows for greater variety. Bars can offer more diverse beer selections without committing to large quantities of each style, leading to more customer options and faster turnover of less popular brews.
Furthermore, sixtels are more manageable in terms of handling, storage, and transport. Their lighter weight compared to larger kegs makes them easier to move and store, requiring less space and effort. This can be especially beneficial in limited storage environments.
How long does a sixtel keg stay fresh once tapped?
The freshness of a sixtel keg after tapping depends on several factors, including the beer style, the dispensing system, and storage conditions. Generally, a properly stored and dispensed sixtel of pasteurized beer can maintain its quality for approximately 30-45 days after tapping.
However, certain beer styles, such as hoppy IPAs, are more susceptible to oxidation and may lose their flavor characteristics more quickly, often within a week or two. Unpasteurized beers may also have a shorter shelf life once tapped. Proper refrigeration and the use of a CO2 dispensing system are crucial for maintaining freshness.
Where can I purchase a sixtel keg?
Sixtel kegs are typically available for purchase at liquor stores, beer distributors, and directly from breweries, depending on local regulations. The availability can vary greatly depending on your location and the specific beer you’re looking for.
Contacting local breweries or beer retailers directly is the best way to determine if they carry sixtels and what brands are available. Some online retailers also offer sixtel kegs for sale, but shipping regulations and costs can be significant. Be sure to check your local laws regarding alcohol purchases before making a purchase.