The Iconic Busch Beer Keg: A Staple of House Parties and College Campuses

The Iconic Busch Beer Keg

For many college students and partygoers, no beer is more iconic than a keg of Busch. With its smooth, easy drinking taste and affordable price point, Busch beer has been a staple at house parties and college campuses for decades. Even the Busch brand itself has become synonymous with fun times and carefree youth.

At the heart of Busch's party reputation is the classic Busch beer keg. These large barrels not only hold a lot of beer, but they also lend an air of festivity to any occasion. A kegger just isn't a kegger without a keg of Busch as the centerpiece.

The Origins of Busch Kegs

Busch beer was first brewed in the late 1800s by Adolphus Busch, a German immigrant who founded the Anheuser-Busch company. Back then, most beer was stored and served from wooden kegs. This allowed breweries to transport large volumes of beer to taverns and other locations where thirsty patrons awaited their brews.

As Busch beer grew in popularity, the company produced more and more wooden kegs to meet demand. These little barrels helped spread the Busch name far and wide. And even when Prohibition forced breweries to halt beer production from 1920 to 1933, Busch continued making kegs so they could quickly ramp up production when the ban was lifted.

The Iconic Design

Over the years, metal kegs gradually replaced wooden ones as the container of choice for beer. And no metal keg design is more iconic than the half-barrel Busch keg.

These kegs stand about two feet tall and are wider at the middle before tapering toward the top and bottom. Bold red letters proclaim "Busch" on the side along with the company's logo, while the capacity and other information is printed in black. The top is rounded and features a valve to release the beer.

This durable stainless steel keg can hold 15.5 gallons of beer - the equivalent of 165 twelve-ounce servings. It weighs about 160 pounds when full, so it takes some muscle to move it around!

Tapping the Keg

When Busch kegs arrive at a party, there is an air of anticipation in the room. The metallic "thunk" as the keg is set on the floor signals fun times ahead. Partygoers gather round as the host attaches a tap and tubing to release the tasty brew inside.

The person chosen to tap the keg grasps the tapper and gives it a firm downward push. It takes a bit of force to drive the tap through the center of the keg. When it punches through, beer begins flowing into plastic cups held at the ready.

That first pour from a freshly tapped Busch keg is a special moment. The foam cascades and the unmistakable aroma of malt and hops fills the air. It's the official start of another epic night powered by this iconic beer brand.

Keg Stands

No discussion of Busch kegs would be complete without mentioning keg stands. This is when someone does a handstand on the keg while another person works the tap, allowing beer to flow directly into the upside-down person's mouth.

Keg stands take some skill to pull off, not to mention a strong core! It also helps if the keg stand attemptee is moderately inebriated, as balance and coordination tend to deteriorate the more one drinks.

When done successfully, however, keg stands are a sight to behold. The beer chugger's legs reach toward the sky as a stream of Busch pours forth. Spectators count the seconds as the human funnel does their work. It's a feat worthy of loud cheers if they can down a full beer in this manner.

The Morning After

Alas, all good keggers must come to an end. The once-full Busch keg now sits empty, tapped of its last foamy drops. Party remnants litter the room as passed out attendees begin to wake with hangovers.

Someone will have the thankless task of lugging the slimy empty keg to the curb. But once heads clear and lessons are learned, plans begin for tapping the next Busch keg and doing it all over again.

For decades now, Busch kegs have fueled house parties and campus bashes of all kinds. Though cultural trends come and go, this iconic beer container remains a steadfast symbol of fun times and carefree youth. Wherever there's a group of friends ready to cut loose, you can bet someone will be shouting the immortal words: "I got the keg!"

Keg of Busch: FAQs

How much does a keg of Busch beer cost?

The cost of a keg of Busch beer varies depending on your location and retailer, but expect to pay around $85-$100 or more for a standard 15.5 gallon half-barrel keg.

How many cans of Busch are in a keg?

A full size half-barrel keg of Busch contains about 165 12-ounce servings. So one keg is equivalent to around 15 and a half cases of Busch cans.

How much alcohol is in a keg of Busch?

Busch beer by volume (ABV) is 4.3%. A 15.5 gallon keg at this ABV contains approximately 636 fluid ounces of pure alcohol.

How long does an unopened keg of Busch last?

An unopened keg of Busch can usually last 3-4 months when properly stored cold. Be sure to keep it refrigerated before tapping to maintain freshness.

How long does an open keg of Busch last?

Once tapped, the beer in a Busch keg will stay fresh and drinkable for 1-2 days when kept chilled. Be sure to finish it or pump out the remaining beer into a sealed container within this timeframe.

Can you return unused Busch kegs?

Some states do allow returns of unopened kegs, but policies vary. Check with your local retailer. Once tapped, a keg cannot be returned due to health and safety policies.

FAQs

How much Busch beer comes in a pony keg vs full keg?

A "pony" keg of Busch holds 7.75 gallons, which is half the volume of a standard 15.5 gallon full size keg.

What's the best way to keep a keg of Busch cold?

Use a large trash can or bucket filled with ice to keep the Busch keg submerged and chilled. Refill with fresh ice as needed.

Can you bring a keg of Busch on a plane?

No, it is not legal to transport full kegs of beer on commercial airline flights due to FAA and TSA regulations.

How much does a used Busch keg weigh when empty?

An empty stainless steel Busch half barrel keg weighs around 30 pounds. Always lift empty kegs properly using leg muscles to avoid injury.

Are old Busch kegs worth anything to collectors?

Vintage Busch kegs from the mid-1900s can sell for $100-300 depending on condition. More common kegs from 1970s-90s are worth $20-50.