FAQ’s for Brewers and Cider Makers
What’s the minimum order quantity?
We supply from as little as 1 pallet of 210 from our warehouse in the UK. Please contact us for a quote.
How are mini kegs printed?
Unlike small cans, mini kegs are printed onto flat sheets of metal. They are normally printed CMYK and photo quality if possible.
What does ‘Climate neutral’ mean?
Climate neutral means that the CO2 footprint to print and manufacture a mini keg has been accurately calculated and then a Climate project is supported to offset this. Read more about Huber climate neutral mini kegs.
What accessories do you supply?
Currently we supply the Easycool which is an insulating jacket to keep your mini keg cool during summer BBQs, music festivals or camping trips.
What is the shelf life of a mini keg/mini cask?
The shelf life unopened, depending on the beer and the filling technique, of a mini keg or mini cask can be similar to cans or bottles. The shelf life once opened is normally a few days. If you close the bung at the top between sessions you will prolong the life of your mini keg however the package is designed for sharing and normally doesn’t last very long amongst friends!
Read more about how to improve shelf life of a mini keg.
Can you recycle a mini keg?
Yes. Mini kegs are made of tin plated steel (similar to a baked bean can). This means it is easily recoverable during recycling as they can be separated with magnets. Metal recycles forever so it is important the material is not wasted. There is no need to separate the small plastic parts. They will fuel the furnace when the steel is smelted. If a mini keg is recycled, the plastics will not end up in the sea nor landfill.
What is the difference between a mini keg and a mini cask?
In 2010 Jayne renamed the Huber ‘Partykeg’ to what is today known as a ‘Mini Keg’. Many brewers will use the same package and call it a mini keg when they fill with keg beers or a mini cask when they fill with cask beers.
Can you fill lager into a mini keg?
Yes. The mini keg was invented in Germany and designed for German Pilsners. It is possible to fill all styles of beer and also cider into Huber mini kegs.
Is a mini keg suitable for beverages other than beer?
Huber has approved the mini kegs for use with beer and also cider. Other products will require testing.
Can the Huber keg be used with a Kegerator/Beer dispenser?
Yes they can. Find out more about how our mini kegs fit with beer dispense machines including Kegerators.
Are all mini kegs the same?
Since the popularity of the 5 litre mini keg has grown there are other manufacturers of similar mini kegs. They are not all the same. The Huber mini keg has a patented non drip tap which ensures no mess during use and when stored in the fridge. Huber is also the first manufacturer to become FSSC accredited. Quality is taken extremely seriously by Huber Packaging and the process and materials used are different to other manufacturers.
Do you make a bigger or smaller size?
No, we get asked this a lot. We wrote a post explaining why our kegs are 5 litre.
Who do I contact for supply of mini keg packaging outside of the UK and Ireland?
Huber manufactures mini kegs in Germany. For 5 litre beer keg enquiries contact the ‘Beverage’ head quarters in Oehringen and you will be contacted by the sales manager for your country.
Why is your company name European Malt? Do you supply Malt?
Terry Swann has many years experience supplying malt and malt products and in 1999 he set up European Malt Company Ltd to continue supplying malt and malt products around the world. The company has evolved and is now primarily the UK and Ireland sales for Huber Packaging Beverage (5 litre mini kegs). European Malt is a supplier to the beverage industry and we also supply other products. This website however, is primarily focussed on the mini keg aspect of our business.
Where can we meet you to discuss our requirements?
We regularly exhibit are brewing trade fairs including SIBA Beer X and Brau Beviale . We also try to visit our new and existing customers where practical.
FAQ’s for Consumers
Can you recycle a mini keg?
Yes. Mini kegs are made of tin plated steel (similar to a baked bean can). This means it is easily recoverable during recycling as they can be separated with magnets. Metal recycles forever so it is important the material is not wasted. There is no need to separate the small plastic parts. They will fuel the furnace when the steel is smelted. If a mini keg is recycled, the plastics will not end up in the sea nor landfill.
Can you re-use a mini keg?
Yes and No. Many home brewers will wash and reuse a mini keg however this is not commercially viable as it is difficult to ensure the thorough cleaning of a mini keg. You are also in danger of compromising the food grade lacquer inside. Much better to recycle or repurpose - if you get very attached to it!
What is the difference between a mini keg and a mini cask?
In 2010 Jayne renamed the Huber ‘Partykeg’ to what is today known as a ‘Mini Keg’. Many brewers will use the same package and call it a mini keg when they fill with keg beers or a mini cask when they fill with cask beers.
Can the Huber keg be used with a Kegerator/Beer dispenser?
Yes they can. Find out more about how our mini kegs fit with beer dispense machines including Kegerators.
Which bin should I put my empty mini kegs into?
Unfortunately, this varies depending on which council you are part of. In most areas it is the blue household recycling bin. Some councils ask you to take it to your local recycling facility. If your local council does not accept mini kegs placed into your recycling bin you should ask why not? It is made of steel so very easy to separate with magnets and fully recyclable. It is a valuable material as metal recycles forever.
What is a non drip tap?
Simply a tap that doesn’t drip before, during or after pouring! No need for a drip tray with a Huber mini keg.
How do you open a 5 litre keg?
Please take a look at our how to tap a mini keg video below.
What beers are available in mini kegs?
There is a huge variety of mini kegs available from smaller craft breweries to large global breweries. You will find a selection available in supermarkets, some local convenience stores and you can also purchase direct from the breweries online (or visiting them if they have a taproom or shop). You can find local breweries offering online sales and delivery from the Brew2You and Beer is Here websites.
How many beers/pints in a mini keg?
A mini keg is 5 litres which holds 8.8 pints of beer
Do mini kegs go flat?
Mini kegs are designed to be shared at a BBQ, party, music festival, Christmas etc and should be drunk within 3-4 days of opening. It is recommended to close the bung at the top inbetween servings to keep your beer in the best condition.
Do untapped mini kegs need to be refrigerated?
Mini kegs should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. They are also small enough to fit in your fridge.
Are mini kegs worth it?
The mini keg is a fun way to enjoy draught beer at home and replicate the pub serve. It also makes a nice gift. Often you will find beer in mini keg that you cannot get in other small packs. For example some brewers will condition inside the mini keg (the same treatment as beer supplied in casks to pubs).
How long do mini kegs last unopened?
Depending on the beer and the filling technique it is possible for beer to be good for 6+ months but please check with the brewery you are purchasing from for their guidance and make sure to store cool.
Where can I purchase mini kegs of beer from?
There is a huge variety of mini kegs available from smaller craft breweries to large global breweries. You will find a selection available in supermarkets, some local convenience stores and you can also purchase direct from the breweries online (or visiting them if they have a taproom or shop). You can find local breweries offering online sales and delivery from the Brew2You and Beer is Here websites.
What kind of beer comes in mini kegs?
You can purchase mini kegs with all types of beer – lagers, ales, wheat beers, stouts etc. They are also approved for use with cider.
Can you buy a mini keg from a brewery?
There is a huge variety of mini kegs available from smaller craft breweries to large global breweries. You will find a selection available in supermarkets, some local convenience stores and you can also purchase direct from the breweries online (or visiting them if they have a taproom or shop). You can find local breweries offering online sales and delivery from Brew2You and Beer is Here websites.
Do you need a tap for a mini keg?
The Huber mini keg includes an integrated tap so no accessories necessary. You can however use the Huber mini keg with various dispense attachments including kegerators.