Sixer Kegs

Pre-order your sixer-size kegs-to-go from 99 Bottles. This keg size is ideal for summer picnics, poker nights, weddings, anniversary parties, and other fun gatherings.

All kegs are preorder items. Keg orders placed on Tuesday typically arrive on Friday; subject to availability from our distributors. View the keg list for estimated price, deposit, preorder lead-time, and to learn what beers are available in the 1/6-barrel size.

Keg FAQs

How big is a sixer keg?
A sixer keg is 1/6 of a full keg barrel...that's 5.16 gallons...or 55 12-ounce glasses of beer.

I'm having a party; how much beer should I get?
That depends on your guest's thirst factor! However, most event planners plan for three glasses of beer per guest, which would be about 18 guests per sixer-size keg.

Do you sell larger kegs...quarter barrel, half barrel, full barrel?
No. The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) limits the size of kegs that specialty beer shops can sell; hence, 99 Bottles can only sell sixer-size kegs. To order larger kegs, you'll need to contact a tavern or local brewery. Alternately, consider ordering several sixer-size kegs from 99 Bottles and offer your guests a variety.

Do you have a list of available labels?
View the keg list; all kegs are pre-order items. Most keg orders placed on Tuesday will be available for pickup/purchase the following Friday, if in stock at our distributors. Please note, some kegs (e.g., Boundary Bay, certain imports) may require a longer lead time.

How much does a sixer keg cost?
The cost depends on the beer chosen (~$62 and up, plus keg deposit ~$45); see the keg list for estimated prices.

What do I need for the keg?
To access the beer in the keg, you'll need a tap. Most sixer kegs use a regular Sankey tap...so if you've got a kegerator in your home bar, you're probably set. However, some kegs require Euro Sankey tap (European kegs, e.g., Hoegaarden) or soda-style tap (e.g., Boundary Bay kegs).

What if I don't have a tap?
If you don't have a tap, 99 Bottles has a few Sankey taps available for a rental and deposit fee, read our Keg/Tap Rental Policy for details.

We do not offer Euro Sankey or soda-style taps. Taps may be available for you to purchase from companies such as KegWorks, The Beer Essentials, or Larry's Brewing Supply. (Please note, we have no affiliation with these companies and provide the links as general information only.)

What's up with the increase in keg deposits?
In fall 2007, most Washington State beer distributors and breweries changed their deposit fee to $45 per keg. While this fee hardly begins to cover the production cost of a new sixer keg (~$250), it was implemented to help dissuade folks from selling kegs and profiting at scrap yards. Prior to the increase, deposits were ranging from $10 to $25, which was competitive with the scrap yard rates. With the increase in deposit fees, beer drinkers are now more apt to return the empty keg to get their $45 returned rather than sell it for scrap.

Please note: To identify keg returns at the new $45 rate vs. kegs that were originally obtained at a lower rate, one of our distributors has placed orange tags on the kegs to identify them as $45 deposit items. Be sure to keep this tag fully intact to guarantee return of the $45 deposit; without this tag the distributor, and 99 Bottles, can only refund the pre-increase deposit, which is typically ~$10.

Are there any special permits needed?
At the time of purchasing the keg at 99 Bottles, a keg registration form will be completed. The form includes your contact information (including valid ID), states that you affirm that no minors will be served from the keg, and indicates "where and when" the keg contents will be served. The original of this completed form will be retained by 99 Bottles and is is auditable by the WSLCB; a copy of the form will be affixed to your keg prior to its leaving the store. Be sure to leave the form affixed to your keg, as possession of a beer keg with a missing or damaged identification tag can result in fines from legal authorities.

For large celebrations, such as weddings, you may also need to acquire a Special Occassion License or Banquet Permit directly from the WSLCB. For information, click here, then scroll down to "Special Licenses and Permits".

When I return the keg, can I get a refund for any remaining beer?
No. For additional information, read our Keg/Tap Rental Policy.