Up and running

[Auld Og]

Got the equipment yesterday. The shipping was lightening fast, it was supposed to take 3-5 days and I got it in 2.

It only took about 30 minutes to set everything up. I'd suggest for anyone doing this type of conversion (3" tower from 2 1/2") take your time with the drilling. I did and it paid big dividends. It'd be pretty easy to muck up the top of the unit.

I'm picking up gas and my first kegs this weekend. I'll report back on the first pours.

[Auld Og]

Ran the system for the first time this weekend. Went out and found the only place in the area that sells gas on the weekend (Bars by Bud for those in the DC metro area) and went directly to Old Dominion and picked up two X 1/6 barrel kegs (lager and pale ale). It took me a wee bit to figure out how to get the regulator set. The beer poured decent though a wee bit foamy, which I put down to the kegs only having a little over two hours to sit in the kegerator, though they were cold when I picked 'em up. After about an hour it was pouring better though the temperature rose a bit, I imagine trying to compensate for the slight rise from inserting the kegs. I turned the temp down a bit. One of the lines also had a very slight bit of spot foaming. I'll see about slightly moving the lines, I'm guessing one is too near the outside of the hole from tower to cooler, but we'll see.

It was great to have draft brew at the house for the big game (US v. England, crap result though). Everyone was well impressed and we made it through a bit of the pale ale (very tasty for those of a mind).

The next day the temp in the cooler had plummeted to near 30F, so I think I overcompensated a bit. It seems like it's a bit of a trick to find the "sweet spot" for the temp and CO2. I'm trying to hit 38F, I've been told 40 is actually better for the beers I like to drink (micro ales mostly). I'm running around 14psi I think, the gauge is not actually fine enough to be that exact.

[samiam4]

Dominion makes the Tuppers Hop Pocket dont they? I have heard that they contract brew the Mobjack Pale Ale and the Red Ale. You bought the kegs from the brewery directly? I did not know you could do that, since Virginia has the "three tier" beer/wine distributor system. It is actually cheaper to buy bottled beer in Richmond VA than it is to buy kegs (Kegs are that expensive, the bottled stuff isnt cheap either!). Can you buy kegs in Maryland?

[topgun3208]

kegs are available in MD. most liquor stores only stock bud or coors light, I go to beltway liquors in balto. county and they stock a bunch of kegs from the different breweries []

[Auld Og]

In VA you can buy directly from the brewery. I don't know what allows them to do this but it's fact. I was worried that my living in DC would throw a spanner in the works but it seems like it's ok and they would know. $100 deposit on the kegs payable in cash only. The 1/6 were $38 or so each.

Dominion does make the Tupper's Hop Pocket (Ale and Pils). They're both oustanding beers, probably the best in the DC metro area. The OD folks contract brew for a lot of folks (New River, Hard Times Chili, several of the Clydes restaurant, etc).

I'm unaware of any breweries in MD that you can buy from directly, but I've never tried. I know that Brewer's Art kegs their beer and have seen at other bars throughout Baltimore. I'll look into it.

In DC you can just order anything through most liquor stores. I also have several friends who run bars who are willing to order for me. I do find that several of the local distributors are less than helpful though.

[topgun3208]

a $100 deposit on a keg?, thats high, only $10 here in baltimore, and that carries on to each keg i get from that particular store. 1/4 kegs of bud and coors light go for high $30's and my Sam Adams runs $59 for a 1/4. I seen Anchor Steam in the walkin freezer this past monday, might have to check it out

[Auld Og]

It was $100 for two kegs. I've got no beef with this really as I understand that if you don't put a hefty deposit on them folks just don't bring 'em back. Sometimes they don't even with the deposit. I believe Franklin's in Hyattsville ran into this problem, which is why they've temporarily suspended kegs to go.

Anchor Steam is great beer, I highly recommend it though it is pricey. As an aside I met Fritz Maytag (founder/owner/American beer god) a few weeks back. He's a character.

If you're up in Charm City you should see if the Wharf Rat/Olivers kegs up their brew. They make some might good stuff as does the aforementioned Brewers Art. Sad about Baltimore Brewing/DeGroen's. I think Theo's being out of the country and the construction over by the pub fecked 'em good.

[samiam4]

Dogfish Head is one of my favorite East Coast beers, but down here in Richmond the cost is rather high. Of course, it is probably worth it. We have a Brewery down here called Legend Brewing that has a wonderful Brown ale that is worth the drive south.

[Auld Og]

Love the DFH beers too. I get up to Rehobeth frequently.

Legend makes good beer as does Richbrau. Can you get either in kegs around Richmond.

[topgun3208]

the only prob with brewers art (checked their website) and wharf rat, is they are in the downtown part of baltimore and parking there is one big pain in da azz. this place i have been going has a pretty good selection. I wanted sam adams summer ale for mem. day but they didnt stock it, might be a special order, some good stuff tho!

[mikef]

Hello,

I recently got my kegerator up and flowing. I have a remote mounted tower with ~7' of 3/16" line. So far, it seems to be working well with the passive cooling system Ive set up - 2" PVC open to refrigerator. Ive calculated that just over 2-oz remains subject to a higher temperature outside the fridge. My question to the forum;

Has anybody implemented a simple forced air system using PVC pipe and another flexible pipe on the inside. That way, you get the cool air flow next to the supply line and warm air in the space inbetween. Im looking for something simple to implement. Otherwise, would you just pour the first couple oz out?

Thanks in advance


Mike

[mikef]

Here are some pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePh...d=943410665203

[Scott Zuhse]

You need to use a small blower and flex tube routed into the PVC all the way to the tower. This will force cold air from your kegerator into the tower and the air will then return back through the PVC. Insulate the outside of the PVC for efficiency.


Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[mikef]

mmscott,

thanks for the info. my main concern with this set-up would be having the fan running inside the small fridge and consequently being too much of a heat load causing the compressor to run all the time. Is this a concern, or is there a good way to mount this fan or an inline fan on the outside?

Thanks

[samiam4]

Mikef, Does your kegerator still work? Did you install the blower?

[mikef]

Samiam4,

Yes, my kegerator still works. I have not had the time to install the blower. I can definately attest to the beer in the 7' of passively refriderated line not being as good. It comes out barely cool and foamy. However, since I just pour out the first 2-floz and before a drinking several beers, I havent been motivated to do more work on the thing. However, I do plan to make things right, and try and get that line chilled by forced air cooling. I will post an update once I get this system set up.

Cheers

[ANT MAN]

hey mike where did you get the tap handle??i want one!!

[mikef]

ANT MAN,

Somebody actually CNC machined my tap handle from 5/8" 6061 Aluminum as a favor. I supplied an Autocad drawing of the Maltese cross that Jesse James uses for West Coast Choppers.

Mike

[Scott Zuhse]

Should not create enough heat to worry about. Adjust cooler accordingly to maintain 38F liquid. These blowers are used commercially in the thousands. The issue is if the refrigerator you have can handle the additional demand placed on it with the extra cubic feet.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

[skins001]

Topgun,
I noticed that you get your kegs from Beltway too. Where do you get your CO2 bottles filled. I've been getting them from Harford Beverage (Racers Pub on Harford Rd.). They do an exchange system; give them your CO2 tank and you get one full for $11. They have kegs there, but I've never picked one up. You can get more eclectic beers than at Beltway. So far, Old Dominion Lager has been my favorite from Beltway.

Quick question for all...
I've noticed a CO2 leak between the hose coupler and the keg coupler. What's the best way to secure this leak? Gas grade thread tape? A washer of some type?

-Steve

[topgun3208]

thats where I get my co2 bottles filled too. yeah I might have to check out what kind of kegs they keep in stock for the winter. beltway liquors is a great place, but they are a little too "towsonish" for me.

[skins001]

I'm still waiting for Beltway to start a Keg Klub or something. Just for us regular keg buyers. No sec dep would be nice. And try to get more of a variety of kegs. I think next time I'm going to see what Harford Bev has. Have you ever gone to Racers? Love that place.

-Steve

[topgun3208]

my neighbor turned me on to the place bout 10 yrs. ago. thats where I first tasted hard cider. needless to say I left a bit tipsy (he was driving). if that is the hose coming from the coupler going to the faucet, u will need a washer. I left mine off when I first got it and it was sraying suds everywhere.