Quick Answer
A standard 1/6 barrel keg contains 5.23 gallons or 1641 fluid ounces of beer. This is the most common keg size used for draft beer in bars and restaurants.
Detailed Explanation
When looking at keg sizes for draft beer, there are a few common options:
- 1/6 barrel (5.23 gallons)
- 1/4 barrel (7.75 gallons)
- 1/2 barrel (15.5 gallons)
The 1/6 barrel is the most popular size and can serve around 82 12-ounce glasses of beer. Here is some more information on the 1/6 barrel keg size:
What is a Sixth Barrel Keg?
A sixth barrel, also known as a “sixtel”, is a beer keg that contains 5.23 gallons or approximately 1984 fluid ounces. It is the most common keg size used for draft beer in bars and restaurants.
How Many Ounces are in 5.23 Gallons?
To calculate the total liquid ounces in a 5.23 gallon keg:
- There are 128 fluid ounces in 1 gallon
- So 128 oz x 5.23 gallons = 669 ounces
So a 5.23 gallon sixtel keg contains 669 fluid ounces.
How Much Beer Can a Sixth Barrel Hold?
Since draft beer is commonly served in 12-ounce pours, a 1/6 barrel keg can hold:
- 669 oz ÷ 12 oz per beer = 55.75 beers
So a sixtel can hold roughly 55 twelve-ounce beers. This means a sixth barrel keg can serve around 82 twelve-ounce glasses of beer, allowing for some foam/waste.
Size and Dimensions
In addition to liquid volume, sixth barrel kegs also have standard external dimensions:
- Height: 23.3 inches
- Diameter: 16.2 inches
- Empty weight: 26 lbs
So a sixth barrel is about two feet tall and one foot wide. Once filled, it weighs over 160 lbs.
Other Key Facts About 1/6 Barrel Kegs
- Made of stainless steel
- Designed for 6 PSI dispense pressure
- Have a ball lock valve system
- Require a compatible sixth barrel tap
- Are reusable, returnable and recyclable
Sixth barrel kegs are designed specifically for optimized draft dispensing. They are built to maintain carbonation and pressure using standard bar draft systems.
Comparisons to Other Keg Sizes
Here is how the 1/6 barrel keg compares to other common keg sizes:
| Keg Size | Total Gallons | Total Ounces | Beers Per Keg* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixth Barrel | 5.23 gallons | 669 ounces | 55 beers |
| Quarter Barrel | 7.75 gallons | 992 ounces | 82 beers |
| Half Barrel | 15.5 gallons | 1984 ounces | 165 beers |
*Based on 12 oz pours
As you can see, the quarter barrel holds about 50% more beer than the sixtel, while the half barrel holds about triple the amount.
Why Use a 1/6 Barrel?
There are a few key reasons why the 1/6 barrel keg is so popular:
- Versatility – At around 55 beers worth of beer, it can serve events large and small.
- Size – It’s smaller and more portable than larger keg sizes.
- Cost – It provides cost savings compared to purchasing multiple sixtels.
- Reduced waste – Taprooms use up all the keg before it goes bad.
For many bars, restaurants and taprooms, the sixtel hits the sweet spot in terms of volume versus the ability to maintain freshness and variety. It allows switching up beer selections frequently without much waste.
Uses of 1/6 Barrel Kegs
Because of their versatile size, sixth barrel kegs are used in many commercial settings:
- Bars – Allow rotating tap handles with new beers
- Restaurants – Provide enough craft beer for patrons
- Stadiums/Arenas – Can serve sections without wasting
- Festivals – Easy to transport and tap onsite
- Homebrewers – Store and serve homemade beer
Additionally, sixth barrel kegs are commonly found in other situations like weddings, corporate events, concerts and backyard parties. They can provide the right amount of beer for many different occasions.
Comparing it to Bottled Beer
Compared to bottled beer, a sixth barrel is much more efficient and economical. Let’s look at the math:
- A 1/6 barrel holds 55 twelve-ounce beers
- That’s the equivalent of 55 twelve-ounce bottles
- To buy 55 twelve-ounce bottles would cost over $100 retail
- A sixtel keg costs around $100 or less
So for the same price as 55 bottles, you can get 55 beers worth of draft in a reusable sixth barrel keg. The keg saves money and is better for the environment.
Common Sixth Barrel Beers
While they can contain any type of beer, there are some common choices found in sixtel kegs:
- IPAs – Popular hoppy style
- Pale Ales – Well-balanced and refreshing
- Amber Ales – Malty with light hoppiness
- Wheat Beers – Fruity and crisp for summer
- Pilsners – Light bodied and clean flavored
- Stouts – Roasty dark beer style
IPAs are probably the most prevalent, but all different styles can be found in sixth barrel kegs. Bars may use them to serve flagship beers as well as rotating seasonal offerings.
Storing and Tapping Sixth Barrel Kegs
Once tapped, sixth barrel kegs should be used within 2-3 days for best quality. To store them prior to tapping:
- Keep refrigerated below 38°F
- Store flat on back to keep seal wet
- Tap and serve at 38°F using CO2
- Use a sixth barrel compatible draft tower
Proper refrigeration and dispensing equipment is necessary to serve kegged beer. The smaller size of a sixtel makes it quicker to finish than larger keg sizes.
Buying Sixth Barrel Kegs
There are a few options for purchasing sixth barrel kegs:
- Directly from breweries
- From beer distributors
- Restaurant supply stores
- Online retailers like Amazon
- Used via classified ads
New sixth barrel kegs cost $100-$150 each from commercial suppliers. Used kegs are cheaper but may have wear and tear.
It’s important to find a supplier that offers the styles you want and can deliver freshly filled kegs. Establishing an account can allow regular scheduled deliveries.
Sixth Barrel Keg Components
Modern sixth barrel kegs consist of these main parts:
- Shell – Stainless steel main container
- spear – Internal tube for dispensing
- Coupler – Connects keg to tap
- Valves – Control gas in and beer out
- Handles – Located at top and sides for carrying
- Tap coupler – Outside component that seals to coupler
It’s the internal spear that allows a direct draw of beer using pressure. This provides smooth and rapid pouring. The coupler ensures a tight seal during dispensing.
Identifying Sixth Barrel Kegs
There are a few ways to visually identify sixth barrel kegs:
- Short and stout appearance
- “Sixth Barrel” printed on exterior
- Contains 60-66 lbs of beer when full
- Requires a sixth barrel tap handle
- Measures about 23″ high and 16″ diameter
The short cylindrical shape along with the sixth barrel marking are the best indicators. They are smaller than full-size half barrel kegs.
Troubleshooting Sixth Barrel Kegs
Some common issues with sixth barrel kegs include:
- Not pouring – Empty keg, jammed coupler or closed valve
- Foamy pours – Low CO2 pressure or empty keg
- Flat beer – CO2 disconnect or empty cylinder
- Leaking – Damaged seal or loose fittings
- Disconnected – Worn or clogged coupler
Always start by checking that valves are open, the keg contains beer, CO2 is connected, lines are chilled and the coupler fits snugly. Replace any worn O-rings, gaskets, hoses or fittings causing leaks or obstructions.
Conclusion
The 1/6 barrel keg is a versatile and economic draft option for 55 twelve-ounce beers. It contains 5.23 gallons or 669 fluid ounces of brew. This standard sixtel size suits the needs of most pubs, eateries and events. With proper cooling, pressure and dispensing equipment, sixth barrel kegs can pour fresh, tasty draft beer while reducing waste and costs.
