Homebrewing using a beer barrel - do's and dont's

Look after your beer barrel and it will look after you!

Beer barrel/ keg do's

1. Follow all assembly instructions precisely (how many of us don't do this?!), and check componenets regularly.
2. Pay particular attention to all seals, keep all seals clean. A smear of vaseline is also useful for reducing friction and increasing air-tightness.
3. Always sterilise thoroughly using professional homebrew chemical cleaners (this must go without saying!) and rinse well with water before use.
4. For a good head on your beer, during colder months use additional CO2 gas. In warmer periods the beer will produce more of the gas itself naturally so there is less need for this.
5. Store your barrel/ keg on a stable flat surface. If moving it be careful due to the weight, get some help & keep your back stright!
6. Your values regularly for signs of wear. Test gas injection is working. Change rubber sleaves if any signs of wear/ rubber deterioration appear.
7. Follow all brew kit/ recipe instructions carefully and apply due patience whilst you allow your beer to mature as it will taste so much the better... enjoy!

Beer barrel/ keg dont's

1. Do not over prime your beer barrel with gas.
2. Don't use boiling water for cleaning. Use warm enough water to actively dissolve/ dilute the chemial cleaners properly, but not boiling, chemical cleaners work better at lower temperatures.
3. Don't leave your beer key near hot radiators or airing cupboards etc.
4. Do not over pressure with gas.
5. Do not ferment your brew in your barrel/ keg.
6. Don't move your barrel/ keg unnessarily, if you do wait a few days for sediment to resettle.
7. Keep the keg away from unattended children (especially teenage sons & their friends!)