Help Lost Kegs Find Their Way Home With KegReturn.com

by The Drink Nation on Jan 31, 2013 in Beer
Help Lost Kegs Find Their Way Home With KegReturn.com

In most cases, the best beer is fresh beer, and the way that beer gets from brewers’ tanks into your glass is via keg. More than just metal barrels, beer kegs are equipped with a complicated valve mechanism that allows suds to flow out with optimum carbonation while keeping the inside vacuum fresh. They’re a key component in beer distribution, and they don’t come cheap.

Despite the relatively large size of the stainless steel containers, kegs often go missing. Whether it’s kegs full of beer rented out for parties that mistakenly aren’t returned (you don’t actually buy the keg itself, just the beer inside), or empty kegs misplaced during a tap change at a busy bar, keg loss happens. Breweries, who are the owners of the kegs they use, must absorb the cost.

The Brewers Association (BA) estimates that keg loss costs craft brewers up to $1.37 per barrel of beer produced annually. Looking at craft beer sales as a whole, the hit to the industry can be up to $15.8 million each year. This unnecessarily drives up the cost of beer, which is in no one’s best interest.

Enter KegReturn.com. Just launched this week, this BA project aims to make it easy to return kegs to their proper origin. The site has a tool that anyone who finds a stray keg can use to easily identify the rightful owner, by searching via markings, numbers, text or other identifying characteristics. There’s also a place for breweries to register their kegs on the site, after they sign up as a member (signup is free, or Homebrewers Association and BA members can use their current login for access).

Another feature on the site is a Code of Keg Conduct, with sections for brewers, wholesalers, retailers, homebrewers, consumers, scrap yards and other entities that come in contact with the barrels. There’s also a list of keg etiquette, which presents The Golden Rule of keg conduct and breaks down federal and state laws on handling of the containers.

So next time you come across a stray keg, instead of lugging it home and turning it into a coffee table, do the right thing — hit up KegReturn.com and send it home instead.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

Try These Summer Cocktails This Season in D.C.

It's officially summertime in the city, and we can't think of a better way to cool off from DC's heat and humidity than with a cold, boozy cocktail in...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen Jul 31, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Drink a Classic Cocktail for a Good Cause During Negroni Week, June 24-30

Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jun 19, 2019
What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

What to Do if Your Uber, Lyft, or Cab Driver Ever Strays From Your Destination or Makes You Feel in Danger

If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›

by Nina Starner Jun 19, 2019
D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

D.C.'s Best Wine Bars

Whether you're a wino or a wine novice, DC is home to a number of wine bars perfect for casual sipping or for expanding your palate. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 29, 2019
Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

Behind the Bar: Kat Corbo of The Study & Winner of Speed Rack 2019

This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›

by The Drink Nation May 15, 2019
Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Where to Drink Outside in D.C. During Summer 2019

Patio weather has arrived! Grab your friends, stake a spot at the bar and take advantage of these outdoor spots for drinking and dining. ...read more ›

by Lanna Nguyen May 14, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close