I am sure this has been asked before but I went back to Sept of 2011 and did not see it. I can not afford to keg traditionally nor do I have the fridge space. I am tired of bottling and this system looks like a good deal and a good alternative. Any feedback is appreciated.
Do you mean a Tap-A-Draft system?
If so, I’ve not used one but it seems to get OK reviews at online vendors like Northern Brewer, Williams, homebrewtalk,
and even here:
http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=6269.msg75485#msg75485
If this is not what you mean, more details and a link would help.
If space is an issue, you can also use 5L mini-kegs and build a tap for them relatively inexpensively.
I force carbonate in these using a schrader valve on a barbed nipple. Works great and doesn’t take up too much room.
What I think about Tap-a-Draft has been echoed by a couple other people I met who have used this system. It works best for a one-time event, like a homebrew share or a block party. Otherwise its carbonation is too variable. But group sharing is why I bought it, so that’s fine.
Do you mean that it loses carbonation over time?
Seems expensive for a party where growlers or pitchers could do.
There’s also the Party Star mini-keg system. Maybe that’s what the OP is referring to?
Personally, I’d want a system that allow for more uses of the containers.
I am talking about long term and multiple uses. I read the reviews and found them to be pretty varied. I will stay with bottling for now until I can afford a real keg system and find the space. I don’t want to wast the $70 on something with such a mixed review.
Thank you all for your feedback on this.
Take a look at this before you give up on thinking about mini kegs: http://forum.northernbrewer.com/viewtopic.php?t=61167
They are reusable for awhile and easily replaceable by purchasing decent craft beer (or Warsteiner) in a 5L mini keg.
Building the tap is easy and relatively cheap if you are a DIYer.
I’ve got about a dozen kegs and I still keep a handful of minikegs around.
EDIT: I noticed they use copper tubing on that link. I would go with SS if you go this route. I bought some on eBay, I think. It was enough to make three or four taps and give some to friends.
Now this looks promising!!! Thank you.
You’re assuming that you’re filling from a keg. If you know you’re brewing for an event, tap-a-draft makes things simple.
Yes I think the carbonation softens over time. It’s not perfect and it’s not cheap. With so many small kegging systems coming on the market, it may be a product whose time has come and gone. But it’s a good little friend for what it does.
I see what you’re saying. I used to have a Party Pig, which is essentially he same thing with the exception that you don’t inject CO2. We used it a few times for parties, but it just wasn’t that practical.
I’ve wanted this small keg for no other reason than it’s cute…
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/175-GALLON-BALL-LOCK-KEG-P3222C109.aspx
I bought a couple of their 2.5 gallon kegs. They work just fine, but are significantly cheaper in construction.
But I think you can tell that just by looking at them.
I have a party-star tap, 4 CO2 cartridges, and 1 5L keg if anyone wants these items. Works great for a party, as discussed in this forum thread. I need to downsize my equipment collection; moving to a smaller house, and the lesser used equipment just has to go… reply to this and I can email you a photo & contact info
I’ve used the Tap-A-Draft as my entry into packaging without bottling but at a lower initial expense than a full blown keg system. It served me well but I’ll probably end up with a keg system sooner or later.