Keg Capacity, Taps & Guest Count Guide

Shepherd’s Tap is designed to be flexible and scalable for a wide range of events. Our kegerator supports multiple keg configurations based on keg size and tap availability.

• Each keg uses one tap
• Smaller kegs allow for more variety
• Larger kegs provide more total volume
• All CO₂ is housed externally

Many events choose a mix of keg sizes to balance crowd favorites with variety. We’re happy to help you select the right configuration based on your guest count, beverage preferences, and event timeline.

Dry Hire Explained:

Shepherd’s Tap operates as a dry hire mobile bar setup.

This means we provide the bar trailer, draft system, equipment, and setup, while alcohol service is handled separately. Alcohol must be supplied and served by the client, a licensed third-party bartender, or a licensed caterer, in accordance with local and state regulations.

Most caterers already offer professional bartending services. Shepherd’s Tap provides them with a fully equipped, easy-to-work-in bar environment featuring ample counter space, multiple draft taps, and built-in sinks—allowing bartenders to work efficiently while delivering a smooth experience for guests.

This approach offers maximum flexibility. You choose your beverages, brands, and service style, while we provide a polished and functional bar space that enhances service flow and guest experience. We’re also happy to coordinate directly with your bartender or caterer to ensure everything is ready to pour.

CO₂ & Draft System Support:

Shepherd’s Tap handles the full CO₂ setup for the draft system.

Each tap is equipped with its own individual regulator, allowing precise control of CO₂ pressure for every keg. This matters because different beers and ciders require different PSI levels to pour correctly.

Regulators can be adjusted during the event, allowing bartenders to fine-tune pours for proper carbonation, head control, and flow rate. The result is consistent, high-quality pours across all taps—without foam issues or flat drinks.

Keg Sizes & Event Planning:

Shepherd’s Tap is designed to scale with your event. The most commonly used keg for events is the 1/6 barrel (sixtel), which holds approximately 5.2 gallons.

Larger kegs increase total volume, while smaller kegs allow for greater variety across taps. When wine, canned beverages, or non-alcoholic drinks are also offered, beer and cider consumption is naturally spread out.

One added benefit of kegs is quality and consistency. Beer and cider are kept cold and pushed using CO₂, preserving carbonation and flavor while preventing oxygen exposure—resulting in a fresher pour from the first glass to the last.

Most Common Keg Size Breakdown

• Full Size (1/2 Barrel)
  Holds approximately 15.5 gallons (~165 twelve-ounce pours).
  Best for high-volume, crowd-favorite beers or ciders. Full-size kegs provide the most total volume but take up more space, which can limit the number of different beverages available at once.
• 1/4 Slim (Quarter Barrel Slim)
  Holds approximately 7.75 gallons (~82 twelve-ounce pours).
  A great middle-ground option that offers more volume than smaller kegs while still allowing for variety across taps.
  
• 5-Gallon Keg (1/6 Barrel / Sixtel)
  Holds approximately 5.2 gallons (~55 twelve-ounce pours).
  The most commonly used keg for events. Sixtels are ideal for offering multiple beer or cider options, and they’re typically easier to find in a wider variety of styles and brands compared to larger keg sizes. This makes them a popular choice for mixing crowd favorites with seasonal or specialty beverages.

All keg sizes use one tap each, and different sizes can be mixed within the same event to balance variety and total volume.