BLADE Keg Guide: Pints, Freshness, Storage and Cost
BLADE uses compact 8L beer kegs to provide a home-draught experience without a conventional pub cellar installation. Here are the practical facts to know before buying, storing or tapping a keg.
BLADE keg size and number of pints
Every standard BLADE keg contains 8 litres of beer. An imperial pint is 568ml, so an 8L keg contains just over 14 imperial pints before normal pouring variation.
- Keg volume: 8 litres
- Approximate imperial pints: 14
- Machine compatibility: BLADE only
- Typical serving temperature: approximately 2°C
How long does a tapped keg remain fresh?
Once correctly installed and continuously chilled in a working BLADE machine, the beer can remain fresh for up to 30 days. This makes the system suitable for customers who want draught beer at home without needing to finish the keg during one gathering.
Storing an unopened keg
Keep unopened kegs in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Follow any storage instructions printed on the keg or packaging and check the best-before date before use. Chilling the keg in advance can reduce the time the machine needs to bring it to serving temperature.
Storing a tapped keg
A tapped keg should remain correctly installed and chilled in the machine. If the machine is switched off for an extended period, the beer may warm and the quality of the pour can suffer.
Check the keg before installation
Inspect the outer box, keg and nozzle. If the package is wet, leaking or damaged, do not install or tap it. Take clear photographs and contact the seller promptly. Installing a visibly damaged keg can make it harder to identify the cause of a fault.
Why temperature matters
Warm beer holds carbon dioxide differently and can result in an excessively foamy pour. For the best result, start with a chilled keg where practical and wait until the machine indicates that it has reached serving temperature.
Choosing a keg
Choose according to the beer style, alcohol strength, occasion and the number of guests. For a mixed gathering, two different kegs may offer more choice, while the 30-day freshness period means the second keg does not necessarily need to be tapped immediately.
Cost per pint
To calculate the approximate keg cost per pint, divide the keg price by 14. Remember to include delivery when comparing the total cost of ordering from different suppliers. Our individual product pages show current prices, and selected listings also provide an approximate cost per pint.
Where to buy BLADE kegs in Ireland
The Beer God supplies BLADE kegs from Portlaoise for delivery throughout the Republic of Ireland, with local collection available. See the current Irish BLADE keg range or read our Ireland buying guide.