How many beers in a Guinness keg?

Answered by Michael Blake

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I am well-versed in the world of beers, and Guinness is undoubtedly one of the most renowned and beloved beers globally. When it comes to Guinness, there are a few different variations and serving options available, including kegs. So, let's delve into the specifics and answer the question: How many beers are in a Guinness keg?

To begin with, it's important to note that Guinness kegs come in various sizes, which ultimately determines the quantity of they hold. The most common sizes you'll come across are 30 liters (or 8 gallons), 50 liters (or 13.2 gallons), and 58.6 liters (or 15.5 gallons). Each of these kegs has its own capacity, and the number of beers you can get from them will vary accordingly.

Let's break it down further:

1. 30-liter Guinness keg:
– This keg size is commonly found in bars and restaurants.
– It holds approximately 105 cans (12 oz each) of Guinness beer.
– It can serve around 88 pints (16 oz each) of Guinness beer.
– It's worth noting that Guinness is typically served in smaller volumes due to its rich and creamy nature, so a pint may be more satisfying than a standard 12 oz can of beer.

2. 50-liter Guinness keg:
– This keg size is often used for larger events and gatherings.
– It holds approximately 175 cans (12 oz each) of Guinness beer.
– It can serve around 146 pints (16 oz each) of Guinness beer.
– If you're planning a party or hosting a Guinness-themed event, a 50-liter keg should provide ample servings for your guests.

3. 58.6-liter Guinness keg:
– This keg size is less commonly found and typically used for commercial purposes.
– It holds approximately 204 cans (12 oz each) of Guinness beer.
– It can serve around 171 pints (16 oz each) of Guinness beer.
– Unless you're organizing a large-scale event or have a commercial establishment, the 58.6-liter keg is unlikely to be a practical choice for most individuals.

It's crucial to bear in mind that these estimates are based on the assumption of using standard serving sizes of either 12 oz cans or 16 oz pints. However, Guinness is often poured with a two-part pour, allowing time for the iconic creamy head to settle. Therefore, the actual number of beers may vary slightly depending on the pouring technique and personal preferences.

Additionally, these numbers solely reflect the quantity of Guinness beer itself and do not account for any potential wastage or spillage that may occur during service. It's always a good idea to have some extra beer on hand to ensure you don't run out during a gathering or event.

The number of beers you can get from a Guinness keg depends on the keg's size, with the most common options being 30 liters, 50 liters, and 58.6 liters. These kegs can hold approximately 105-204 cans or 88-171 pints of Guinness beer, respectively. However, keep in mind that these estimates are based on standard serving sizes and pouring techniques. So, whether you're enjoying a pint of Guinness at a local pub or hosting a Guinness-themed party, now you have a better understanding of the quantity a Guinness keg can provide.