Hello, I'm having a BBQ that is also a baby shower, and we're getting a keg for the 50 guests we're expecting. I was hoping to get something that I like (typically ales) but also something that has broad appeal. We're expecting men and women of all ages and backgrounds, so I can't get too hoppy; I also live in a somewhat rural area with limited options - so I can't get too obscure. Does anyone have any recommendations of some amber ales or red ales that I may be able to find in a keg in my small town, and yet may be suitable for mass consumption. Thank you, Harbin
You be best off to start asking local stores what brewers' kegs they can routinely get and how much lead time they need - most smaller liquor stores do not stock many brands of kegs but order them from distributors as needed.
I'm assuming you're around my current area (rural central Maryland), so I would suggest Bell's Amber Ale or maybe Devil's Backbone Vienna Lager.
why don't you just get bottled or canned beer? that way you can get a variety of beer. a keg isn't going to save you much money, if any. example, just checked devils backbone vienna lager (good suggestion) at total wine, sixtel is $85, 12 pack is $17 and you could get 5 twelve packs for the same price as the sixtel. there are 56 twelve oz beers in a sixtel and you would be getting 60 beers if you bought bottles. plus you don't have to worry about renting a tap, deposits, returning the keg, etc.
I do see the benefit of both... Bottles/Cans allows for more variety and also easier to save/use the "leftovers" at another point in time...But a keg to me is also easier clean-up. Not having to tell people "Where the recycling is" all night. Probably tastes a little better (in my opinion). I could see that. I guess another question that would need to be asked is what is your budget (if any) for your beer purchase?
