Keg / cask

Beer kegs come as steel kegs, usually just called kegs, and less often as wooden casks. Common sizes are 20, 30 and 50 litres; for small gatherings there are party kegs of about 5 litres. The keg is pressurised with carbon dioxide or a mixed gas and connected to the tap system via a coupler.

Kegs are returnable items. They are rinsed, inspected and refilled. Retailers store them cool and protected from sunlight.