You can definitely fill growlers from a keg! It's a great way to bring home your favorite beer from a brewery or even share it with friends at a party or as a gift. There are a few different methods you can use to fill growlers from a keg, and I'll go through them below.
1. Counter Pressure Filler:
Using a counter pressure filler is the most effective way to fill growlers from a keg while maintaining the carbonation and freshness of the beer. This method involves using a specialized filling device that pressurizes the growler with CO2 while filling it from the bottom up. This helps to minimize oxygen exposure and maintain the carbonation levels in the beer. Counter pressure fillers can be a bit more expensive and require some practice to get the technique right, but they are definitely worth it if you plan on filling growlers regularly.
2. Blichmann BeerGun:
The Blichmann BeerGun is a popular tool used by homebrewers and beer enthusiasts to fill bottles and growlers from a keg. It works similarly to a counter pressure filler by purging the bottle or growler with CO2 and filling it from the bottom up. The BeerGun is easy to use and provides good results, although it may not be as precise as a dedicated counter pressure filler. It's a great option for occasional filling and is more affordable than some other options.
3. DIY Method:
If you don't have access to a counter pressure filler or a BeerGun, you can still fill growlers from a keg using a simple DIY method. Here's how you can do it:
– Start by chilling your growler in the fridge or freezer for a little while. Cold beer is less likely to foam up when filling.
– Attach a piece of tubing to the tap on your keg, making sure it reaches the bottom of the growler.
– Slowly open the tap and start filling the growler, being careful not to let the beer splash and foam up.
– Fill the growler as much as possible without overflowing, leaving as little headspace as you can.
– Once the growler is filled, quickly cap it with a tight-fitting lid or use a swing-top style growler with a rubber gasket.
– Store the filled growler upright in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible.
Tips and Tricks:
– Before filling, make sure your growler is clean and free from any residual flavors or odors. A quick rinse with hot water and a mild detergent should do the trick.
– It's best to fill growlers as close to the time you plan on consuming the beer as possible. The longer the beer sits in the growler, the more the carbonation will degrade and the flavors may change.
– If you're planning on transporting the filled growler, make sure to keep it upright and avoid any extreme temperature changes or agitation that could cause the beer to foam up or potentially leak.
– Some breweries may have specific guidelines or restrictions on filling growlers, so it's always a good idea to check with them beforehand. They may also have their own equipment for filling growlers, which can result in a better overall experience.
Filling growlers from a keg is a great way to enjoy your favorite beer at home or share it with others. Whether you use a counter pressure filler, a BeerGun, or a DIY method, it's important to handle the beer with care to maintain its carbonation and freshness. Cheers!