When we say that a keg has “kicked,” it means that the keg is empty, and there is no more beer left to be poured from it. As a sommelier and brewer, I've come across this term quite often, especially in the world of beer and kegged beverages.
Imagine yourself at a lively party or a bustling bar. You're having a great time, sipping on your favorite beer, when suddenly the bartender announces, “The keg kicked!” This proclamation is met with a mix of disappointment and anticipation, as it signifies the end of the current beer selection and the need to replace the empty keg with a fresh one.
The term “kicked” is a colloquialism used in the beverage industry to indicate that a keg has been emptied. It's a vivid expression that captures the suddenness and impact of the keg running dry. It's as if the keg has been forcefully kicked, leaving nothing but emptiness in its wake.
Bartenders and beer enthusiasts often use this term to communicate the need for a keg change. It serves as a signal for them to remove the empty keg from the tap system and replace it with a full keg, ensuring that the flow of beer continues uninterrupted. In a busy setting, where time is of the essence, using concise language like “the keg kicked” helps convey the message quickly and efficiently.
While “kicked” is the most commonly encountered synonym for an empty keg, there are other terms used by bartenders and industry professionals to convey the same meaning. One such term is “tapped out,” which implies that the keg has been fully tapped and no more beer can be drawn from it. However, it's worth noting that some may find the term “tapped” offensive when used to indicate emptiness, as it can be easily misunderstood as a reference to the act of tapping a keg to start pouring.
In my personal experience, I've witnessed many instances where a keg has kicked, sometimes at the most inconvenient times. I remember one particular event where we were hosting a beer tasting session, and just as I was about to pour a sample for a guest, the keg kicked. It was a moment of slight embarrassment, but it also presented an opportunity to engage with the guests and introduce them to a different beer from our selection.
When a keg kicks, it means that the keg is empty and needs to be replaced with a full one. The term “kicked” is a colloquial expression used in the beverage industry to signify the abrupt and complete depletion of beer in a keg. It's a concise and efficient way for bartenders and beer enthusiasts to communicate the need for a keg change. So, the next time you hear the announcement, “The keg kicked,” you'll know that it's time for a fresh keg and a continuation of the beer-flowing festivities.