The keg. It’s perhaps the brewing industry’s most humble star. A romanticism has grown around both beer ingredients — thanks to the hops craze, which has no end in sight — and innovative bottles, growlers and cans for consumers to transport precious beer. The real unsung heroes of the brewery, though, are kegs.
Pennsylvania brewers need only look to Schaefer Container Systems to see innovation surrounding the familiar steel barrel that is the backbone of draught beer. With more than 40 years and 25 million kegs of experience, it’s one of the most established suppliers of steel containers for brewers. Whether it’s yeast brinks, stackable kegs or 10-barrel storage tanks, Schaefer Container Systems makes it.
According to Richard Winslow, president of Schaefer Container Systems North America, Inc., industry trends are pointing toward smaller breweries focusing on small-batch brewing. “Our operations were built from the ground up to support craft beer, and we’re prepared to respond to the needs of breweries large and small,” he said. “Beer styles are coming out fast and furious. New England IPAs weren’t even a ‘thing’ that long ago, but now they’re everywhere. Small-batch innovation is likely to be a key to ongoing success in the brewery space.”
In addition to providing the right storage solution for breweries of every size, Schaefer also can customize kegs both for brand recognition and to reduce misplacement or theft of off-site vessels. “Customized kegs act as ambassadors to our customers’ brand image,” Richard added. “Custom chime colors allow our customers’ kegs to stand out on a distributor’s dock, too.”
Some kegs, like the Schaefer’s PLUS KEG, can come in any color across the full body with an option for in-mold decoration. The professional brewing world is more competitive than ever, and it’s becoming harder to stand out among the crowd. Customized kegs offer one more way to be a definitive presence, whether it’s on the loading dock or at a beer festival.
It’s unlikely that consumers’ love for draught beer will dissipate any time soon, and with that love comes the imperative for continual storage systems innovation for craft beer producers. When you get down to it, beverage storage is part art and part science. The perfect complement to a finely crafted beer is the perfect container that allows it to be presented in its fullness. Schaefer shows the company’s latest and greatest at the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America each year.
Flexibility is important in the brewing world, especially concerning equipment for small-batch brewing. Having stackable tanks that can be used for a variety of applications is an attractive option for many outfits. Schaefer’s version is a good example of this kind of product. “Our 10-barrel system takes less than 16 square feet and stores 20 barrels of beer,” Richard added. “Our design allows tremendous flexibility for small-batch brewing.”
Richard notes that brewers portfolios have become very adaptive. “Customers may choose to make ciders, beer or seltzers under one roof.” This diversification has become another way that breweries can gain more patrons. Only the future will tell what new brews — and containers — will be developed as brewers continue to push the boundaries of the brewing landscape.
The Brewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
Photos: Schaefer Container Systems
