As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with an answer to your question about the weight of an empty 5 gallon keg. The weight of an empty keg can vary depending on the material it is made of. Typically, kegs are made of stainless steel, which is a durable and common material used in the brewing industry.
An empty stainless steel 5 gallon keg weighs around 9 pounds. This weight may vary slightly depending on the specific design and manufacturer of the keg, but 9 pounds is a general estimate. Stainless steel is a relatively lightweight material, making it easy to handle and transport when empty.
However, it's important to note that the weight of a keg is not solely determined by the material it is made of. The weight also includes the fittings and components attached to the keg, such as the valve, spear, and handles. These components add a few extra pounds to the overall weight of the keg.
Now, let's talk about the weight of a full 5 gallon keg. A full keg of beer typically weighs around 46.6 pounds. This weight includes the weight of the beer itself, as well as any residual carbonation and pressure inside the keg. The weight of a full keg can also vary slightly depending on the specific gravity of the beer, which is a measure of its density.
To give you an idea of how many beers you can expect from a 5 gallon keg, let's do some calculations. Assuming a standard serving size of 12 ounces per beer, a 5 gallon keg contains 640 ounces of beer. Dividing this by 12, we get approximately 53 beers per 5 gallon keg.
It's worth noting that these calculations are based on a rough estimate and can vary depending on factors such as the size of the beer's head and the amount of sediment present in the keg. Additionally, different beer styles may have different levels of carbonation, which can affect the overall weight of the keg.
An empty 5 gallon keg weighs around 9 pounds, while a full keg weighs approximately 46.6 pounds. These weights can vary slightly depending on the specific design and materials used, as well as the style and carbonation level of the beer. It's important to keep these factors in mind when handling and transporting kegs.