32 replies to this topic

[bdimag]

OK folks... Last year, this was a hit (when is beer not a hit?), and I'm glad! This year, with the Brickerator not being a secret, I'd like to solicit some assistance in getting it ready. I've got most of what I need, but in the tradition of one-upping myself, I need to add on to it. At the very least, I'd like a 3rd pony keg (I ran out of beer early Saturday evening), and in addition to that, I plan to bring some of my own home-brewed beer.

The third pony keg would simply be there for when one of the other main kegs runs out, but the homebrew I would like to be tapped in addition to the other 2 live kegs. This puts me at THREE faucets, and already, my draft tower has run out of room. On top of that, I'm bouncing around the idea of having an auxiliary keg hookup* (i.e. an unused faucet, with a tap to reach outside of the car). Last year, there were some kegs other than my own, so, if instead of using a party-tap, you'd like to take advantage of my facilities, you'd have that option.





Beer
The trunk fit's one size/shape: the short and fat 7.75 gallon "Pony" keg... While that size (volume) is available for most beers, they're using a different shape keg now (tall and skinny = does not fit)... For the most part, the only beer that comes in that particular keg is Bud/Miller/Coors. Having one of those is perfectly OK -- I call it the filler beer. Last year, I had Dogfish Head 60min IPA; in order to do that, I had to buy a bud light keg in advance, drink it all, clean/sanitize the keg, and then do a keg-to-keg transfer (source being 1.5 Sixtels, only thing available).

-Arrogant Bastard: Stone Brewery in San Diego uses the right size keg! If someone is coming from that area, I'd like to enlist you in this madness. I want Stone, period.... So if that means I have to buy 15.5 gallons (only size available outside of SoCal, per Stone), I'll do that and put the rest in bottles.
-Dogfish Head IPA: At this point, I'm still planning to have DFH -- and a 75min if I can swing it (mix a 60 and a 90).
-Bud Light: to be picked up at Carlisle Beverage, accepting sponsors
-Homebrew: I plan to bring one or two of my own beers -- I'll need to purchase two 3gal Corny Kegs for this (although this is smaller than batchsize, the 5 gallon corny's are too tall). Not happening

I still need to make my inquiries about the Arrogant Bastard and Dogfish Head... Not too worried about the AB, but last year Dogfish Head was having some major distribution issues (which is why i couldn't get the full keg that I requested 6-8 weeks in advance, nor could I get 90min IPA). If it seems like it's going to be an issue again this year, I may need some help from the DE folks!

Supplies
-Cups: I'll cover for the most part; because I know what fits in the cup holder... They're Safeway brand, and I'll figure out the size if someone wants to bring an extra bag just in case (probably a good idea).
-Dry Ice: someone suggested this last year, and after I got home I looked it up... The price was pretty even with the total amount spent on regular ice, and it will be less to deal with. I really only found 1 place online, somewhere in MD, but if anyone local knows of a place or can hook some up another way, it would help...

Equipment
-Draft Beer Tower: I was thinking i would create a box, but instead, i think I'll take a single-faucet 3" wide tower and mount it horizontally on top of my other one, with 3 or 4* faucets running across it (I have 2 right now). The tower alone can be had on eBay for $15 shipped, but i'd still need an additional faucet, shank and hose for each new tap (a "tower rebuild kit" that includes one each of those 3 items is about $45). That said -- I'll either need to learn to solder Stainless Steel (and buy the tools/mats), or I'll need someone to do it for me.
-Keg Couplers: This is what mounts to the keg, I need 1 sanke* (for aux kegs) and one ball lock (for corny/homebrew kegs)
-Gas Splitter: I have a 2-way gas splitter, I'll need a 3-way (either to use alone for 3 kegs, or in addition to the 2-way for 4 kegs*).
-Tap Handles: I'd need an Arrogant Bastard tap handle, and I don't know if they're any cheaper @ the brewery, but they are available online. I'm also thinking about a nice chalk board tap handle for the homebrew. DFH and Bud Light are covered, but if anyone wants to hook up their own keg*, maybe look into grabbing a handle for it as well (of course I have the standard 3" black ones, just in case).
-Counter Pressure Bottle-Filler: This would be for properly filling a bottle with keg beer (and not having it spoil). I'd consider making one, but they're not too expensive.
-Insulation: Few items that could help with this; looking to wrap each line individually with foil tape and then wrap them all in foam. Also found some nifty keg jackets that I'll fill with the dry ice. Open to suggestions -- remember: warm lines = foamy beer.
*NEW* 3-Gallon Corny Keg: I think i didn't add this to the list because my plan is to simply buy them new and sell them afterwards (and recoup *most* of the cost)... But if anyone has one they'd like to let me borrow, that would be great too. I'd need it real soon and if I'm paying shipping both ways I don't know that it's any cheaper.

Food
I'm not bringing food... I just want someone there to feed me


As you can imagine -- this little endeavor is not cheap. If anyone can provide any part of this (hand-me-downs or otherwise), please let me know... Things that need to be made (like the draft tower) I will need sooner than later. If anyone is having a keg party -- you should do it with a pony of bud light/etc, and then give me empty keg .

oh, and drink responsibly.

[Fake-R]

Might be able to get you an arrogant bastard handle.

[bdimag]

That would definitely help! There's not much of a rush for getting that Item, so please let me know!

[bdimag]

someone mentioned a Soda dispenser for the liquor drinkers (or kids?)... it would need to be in a keg, and it looks like I could make some myself... thoughts?

[Jeph430]

I'm gonna try and bring some of my beers too http://www.hoppinfrog.com/beers/ Let me know if there are any requests. We only do 22oz bottles but we have the capability to fill kegs too

Brian, I'll try and see what I can work up for some of your other requests

We also have the equipment for keg transfers

[bdimag]

your beers? go on......


and thanks! I don't want to put you to work, but if you're offering ... My keg-to-keg transfer involves 2 regular couplers, one with the check valves removed.

Do you have access to empty pony kegs? Otherwise I'm buying and drinking 15.5 gallons of bud light

btw if you can get your beer in the keg then I say fuck the bud light altogether

[cheapwagon]

Draft Beer Tower: I have my old 2 faucet you can have. Same as yours
Keg Couplers: I just have the standard ones for domestic style kegs.
Gas Splitter: I have a 2 keg splitter also.

I also have an 10lb aluminum tank if you want...

LEMME KNOW.

Edited by cheapwagon, 23 February 2012 - 09:05 PM.

[bdimag]

Draft Beer Tower: I have my old 2 faucet you can have. Same as yours
Keg Couplers: I just have the standard ones for domestic style kegs.
Gas Splitter: I have a 2 keg splitter also.

I also have an 10lb aluminum tank if you want...

LEMME KNOW.

PM'd -- that would cross a number of things off the list

[cheapwagon]

PM replied.

[bdimag]

Gonna go ahead and buy the 1 faucet shell to get started, and then set on the rest of the tower situation.

Anyone have any tips so that I don't do this:



i mean it looks like he actually made an effort to get them straight and then just failed for some reason.

[JVC]

Gonna go ahead and buy the 1 faucet shell to get started, and then set on the rest of the tower situation.

Anyone have any tips so that I don't do this:



i mean it looks like he actually made an effort to get them straight and then just failed for some reason.

Use square tubing?

[scumcity14]

use a drill press or milling machine.

[bdimag]

hmm yes, i'm picturing it my head... that seems easy now.


how about the half-circles I'll have to cut out of one cylinder? any thoughts?

[scumcity14]

hmm yes, i'm picturing it my head... that seems easy now.


how about the half-circles I'll have to cut out of one cylinder? any thoughts?

With out a milling machine drill a couple of small holes with in the area you need the half circle and use a jewel saw or dremel to cut the rest. Tedious but doable..may not be flawless but if you're careful it can work.

[bdimag]

hmm if i threw a 3" hole saw on a drill press? with the piece held down very well (since the aligning part of the hole saw wouldn't touch anything)

[bdimag]

just bought the first thing... exciting.

[The_Stig]

I know it wasnt asked but wouldnt mind helping out buying another keg i even got an extra tap!

forgot to mention i was suppose to make it for last year but the tranny blew up on the i93 or 95 at sturbridge,MA along the way. i had a keg setup and was on the way but never made it then i saw your pictures and was in shock and awe, well done! bravo! and cant wait to take pictures.

i unfortunatley wont have my volvo, so i may be shunned but ill certainly be documenting the festivities. cheers

-andy.

[flyfishing3]

after seeing you flinging that saff around, i'm not surprised its giving you some trouble. lol

[Pops Racer]

OOOH the Pens got popped by the damn FLyers. Cmon get Crosby fired up, I hate the Broad Street Bullies, and Philly in general!

[bdimag]

I know it wasnt asked but wouldnt mind helping out buying another keg i even got an extra tap!

forgot to mention i was suppose to make it for last year but the tranny blew up on the i93 or 95 at sturbridge,MA along the way. i had a keg setup and was on the way but never made it then i saw your pictures and was in shock and awe, well done! bravo! and cant wait to take pictures.

i unfortunatley wont have my volvo, so i may be shunned but ill certainly be documenting the festivities. cheers

-andy.

thanks

If you're there on Friday and wanna grab the 1/2 keg of Bud Light from Carlisle Beverage, that would be the easiest... or of course if that runs out again on Saturday, maybe grab another.



---- btw ----

Homebrew may be out... i'll know this week (batch may have gone bad). No other updates.