What is the main difference between imported and domestic kegs?

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The Kegerator Guy

The Kegerator Guy, Christian Lavender, is a kegerator expert and answers readers' questions about kegerators and draft beer issues.

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Dear Kegerator Guy,
I'm planning on throwing a "classy" keg party for a friend of mine that is getting married, but I'm not really a beer drinker. I've been told there are differences when it comes to U.S. vs European kegs of beer. I need to order a keg of beer that will fit in my husband's kegerator, so can you tell me the main difference between imported kegs and domestic kegs? I wouldn't want to order a keg and have it not fit!
-- Jenny W. in Ohio

Dear Jenny,
This is a great question and one I have heard very often, so maybe we can clear it up here and now.

Imported kegs often have different beer taps - the most vital distinction as this may hinder drinking the beer most of all! Make sure that you have the proper tap for the keg you are buying if buying an imported keg. The kegs are slightly different sizes as well. Kegs from the UK are usually either 50 liter or 30 liter kegs.

Of the beers that are made in the United States, the US Sankey Keg Tap is used 95% of the time. German keg taps will fit most keg beers made in Germany, including Spaten, but for Heineken, you will need the European Sankey Keg Tap, which will also serve Murphy's Stout and New Castle. The European Sankey Keg Tap looks very similar to the US Sankey Keg Tap, but the difference is that the stem that goes into the keg is shorter on the US Sankey Keg Tap. In addition to these keg taps, some brands of beer require taps just for that brand. Guinness falls into this category.

Which ever way you go, have fun and do a keg stand for me!

Christian Lavender is the CKO (Chief Kegerator Officer) for Kegerators.com in Austin, TX. Kegerators.com has been an online destination for draft beer related information since 1998.

The Kegerator Guy answers a question about a kegerator or draft beer issue from a Kegerators.com reader each week. Send your question to The Kegerator Guy.