Beer flat in keg

[Mike Bowler]

I kegged my beer 3 weeks ago and tried it and it's flat can I re prim it or bin it keg is a cheap non gas one
Please Help

[Jim]

Hi Mike. Yes, you can reprime, but you need to find out how the original gas leaked out first, or the second lot will go the same way.

Check that the pressure release valve on the lid is seated properly, and that the lid's o ring is sound.

To be honest, without a CO2 injection system a pressure barrel isn't much use unless you only drink a couple of pints a week.

[Mike Bowler]

Hi Jim
how do I re prime
as for leak I don't think I put much Vaseline on the top
And if I buy a keg with gas what one should I get I don't have a big budget

Cheers

Mike

[Jim]

To reprime the keg:

Boil 1/2 litre of water in a pan and dissolve 80g or so of sugar in it.
Add to the beer in the keg (there's no need to stir, it will disperse on its own after a few hours) and replace the cap (suitably lubricated with a tiny amount of vaseline.
Leave in a warm place (18 - 20C) for a few days, then back into the cool for another couple of weeks (more if you can stand it).

I'm not really up on currently available kegs, but I would recommend one with an S30 valve so you can use the larger CO2 cylinders, rather than the sparklets mini bulb type.