What should you know before ordering beer kegs?
You're organizing a birthday, a wedding, a housewarming party. You want beer kegs. And then your brain freezes: how many? When to order? How does this beer tap system even work?
It's normal to freak out – that's exactly the question we get asked three times a week at the brewery. The good news: there are only three pieces of information that really matter in terms of quantity , and three pitfalls to avoid to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day. Master these, and you'll handle 99% of potential problems.
The quantity depends on 3 criteria (and not just the number of guests)
Criterion 1 - The duration of your event
The basic rule, the one that works in 90% of cases: 1 liter per person . That's the standard calculation for a typical 4- to 6-hour party. 50 people? 50 liters. 80 people? 80 liters. Simple.
But this rule adapts according to the actual duration of your event.
Short aperitif (2 hours maximum) : Cut it in half. Your guests have one or two drinks, chat, nibble, and leave. 40 people for an aperitif? A 20L keg is more than enough.
Nighttime marathon (6 hours or more) : Multiply by 1.5. As the evening progresses, people stay, and the atmosphere builds, consumption follows. For 50 people staying until the end of the night, plan for 75 liters – that's two 30L kegs plus one 20L keg.
Criterion 2 - The format of the available kegs
We only have one size: 20 liters . The yield calculation is straightforward. A 20L keg makes approximately 80 glasses of 25cl.
With an average consumption of 4 drinks per person on a standard evening, that gives: 20L = 20 people. The rule "1 liter per person" therefore holds perfectly.
Our advice after hundreds of events: opt for several small kegs rather than one large one . Freshness is maintained better, you offer variety (a Zepp and an Embuscade , for example), you better manage volumes at the end of the evening, and you allow your guests to discover different flavor profiles .
Criterion 3 - Other drinks offered
If you're only serving beer, keep the basic calculation. But if your event also offers wine, soft drinks, and cocktails—which is often the case— deduct 30% from your beer estimate.
Concrete example: You're expecting 60 people for a 5-hour party. Basic calculation = 60 liters. But you're also serving white wine and soft drinks. Adjusted calculation: 60 × 0.7 = 42 liters. Three 20L kegs perfectly cover the need , with even a small safety margin.
This calculation works because tastes naturally vary - about a third of your guests will prefer something other than beer during the evening.
Three traps to absolutely avoid
Trap 1 - Ordering at the last minute
A minimum of 7 days before your event . This is the rule we apply to all keg orders. Why? Because we brew using traditional methods, with long fermentations that are not rushed.
Our production follows a precise schedule. Our beers undergo long fermentations – Zepp, for example, ferments for several weeks using bottom fermentation. We can't just improvise a brew because someone woke up Friday morning and thought, "Hey, I'm having a party Saturday night."
Stock is limited by nature. If you order an Embuscade or a Double Oat three days before a long weekend, there's a good chance we'll be out of stock on these highly sought-after items.
Bonus of the delay: you have time to ask us all your questions without stress. From setting up the beer dispenser and serving temperature to choosing beers for your guests, we take the time to advise you properly when you're not calling us in a hurry.
Trap 2 - Neglecting storage temperature
The kegs must not exceed 25°C before and during your event. This is non-negotiable if you want to serve beer properly .
A warm or poorly stored keg is a guaranteed disaster. The foam explodes , making it impossible to fill a glass without overflowing. The taste becomes flat, the aromas vanish. Your guests wonder what they're drinking, and you end up looking like the one who messed up the supply.
A cool cellar at 12°C is already too warm for optimal preservation. If you don't have the storage space, it's best to order smaller sizes or adjust your delivery schedule.
Trap 3 - Ignoring the dispenser/keg compatibility
Not all kegs work with all beer dispensers. This sentence should be written in huge letters on every website that sells kegs, but nobody does. As a result, one in three people calls us in a panic on Friday night because the keg won't fit in their dispenser.
Questions to ask before ordering:
Is beer dispenser rental included? We offer free rental . If you order elsewhere, check this point – buying a compatible dispenser just for one event will cost you more than expected.
What pressure system does it use? Some beer dispensers use a built-in CO2 system, while others have a compressor within the dispenser itself. If you rent the equipment and the CO2 cylinder isn't included, you'll end up with a keg you can't use on the day.
Is the fitting compatible? There are several standards. Our kegs use a common system, Type S, but we always explain exactly what equipment you need. No surprises on Saturday morning when you take your kegs out of the fridge.
In summary: if you master these points, you'll be in control.
Ordering kegs isn't rocket science when you know the three key variables : duration, formats, and other beverages. And the three mistakes to avoid : too short a timeframe, neglecting the temperature, and overlooking compatibility.
Master these six points, and your only stress on the big day will be whether Uncle Michel is going to tell his lame jokes again. As for the beer, you've got that covered.
Cheers 🍻
