Homebrewing Kegs - The Good, The Budget, and The Ugly

Good morning. Researchers at MIT and Georgia Tech have been able to take discarded brewing yeast and repurpose it to remove lead and heavy metals from water. The process is called biosorption, with the yeast packaged in hydrogel capsules so that they can be easily removed after filtration is complete.

Always great to see new methods of reusing waste material, especially in the brewing industry.

-Brandon Copeland

Homebrewing Kegs - The Good, The Budget, and The Ugly

If you’re looking to get into kegging your beer for the first time, or looking to add another keg to the roster, we’ve compiled a list of the good, the budget, and the ugly when it comes to purchasing kegs.

1. The Good - Slimline Torpedo Keg

In my opinion, Slimline Torpedo Kegs are the crème de la crème of homebrewing kegs. They are stainless steel and have a clean, sleek design that is something you would actually like to show off to friends and family, unlike a corny keg. That are also stackable with enough room to still make liquid and gas connections.

For my slimline, I bought a neoprene sleeve that regulates the temperature better and also is a good thing to slip the temperature probe into. It’s the best keg I’ve had and will definitely purchase more. Totally worth it even at a price point of $129.

2. The Budget - KegLand Oxebar Mono PET Keg

The Kegland Oxebar Mono PET Keg is the most budget homebrew keg you can find. This plastic keg is on sale currently for $27.99 for a 5 gallon keg. It has ball lock fittings and actually boasts that it actually has higher oxygen barrier properties than a stainless steel keg.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to get into kegging, this is a great way to get started. A perk is that since it’s plastic, it is much lighter than a full stainless steel keg.

3. The Ugly - Used Corny Kegs

Used corny kegs are the backbone of homebrewing itself. Back in the day, old corny soda kegs were the only option for homebrewers looking to brew small 5 gallon batches. They aren’t desirable and they certainly aren’t beautiful, but as long as you clean them thoroughly they do the job.

I have two used corny kegs that I’ve had for many years, and they have outlived their usefulness. However, for $63.99, it’s the cheapest bit of stainless steel you can put your hands on.

Beer Trivia Question

🍺 What state in the United States has the most breweries?

Read to the end to find out if you're right!

Homebrewing Equipment Highlight

KOMOS Homebrewing Kegging Kit

If you’re interested in getting into kegging and want to go with a Torpedo keg, this is a nice kit to get started. Not only do you get the keg, you get a CO2 tank, regulator, and gas/liquid lines with a picnic tap. You might be able to find it cheaper separately, but if you want it all in one package, this is a solid option.

Brewgr Recipe of the Week

Piistol Star Pilsner

This pilsner relies on Saaz hops and a grain bill primarily made up of pilsner malt. The boil time is 90 minutes which is slightly unique, otherwise it seems like a reliable, dependable pilsner that is fermented at 51 F.

Credit: BeertechBrewingSpecialties

Poll Results: Best Homebrewing On YouTube

This poll was a mixed bag as expected - there are so many homebrewing channels out there. However, it’s good to watch some good content - as homebrewers, if you don’t belong to a club, it can be an isolating hobby.

And the Answer Is...

🍺 California has the most breweries in the United States with close to 1,600. However, Vermont has the most breweries per capita with over 15 breweries per 100,000 people.