Happy New Year AKA ‘National Bloody Mary Day’ – Make a Bloody Mary Smoker Style

By Rawhide

They tell us that Jan, 1 is actually National Bloody Mary Day so here’s a recipe with a twist. It uses a smoker and some great flavors.

There’s no better bloody mary recipe than the smoked version adapted from one on Steve Raichlen’s site. It’s great to use your smoker if you have one already or use this recipe as an excise to go out and buy one. They have dropped a lot in price since being released.

But before you go, check out the items you need to make this amazing (and healthy) drink that will kick start your Jan. 1 like no other.

The Smoking Gun

A hand-held Smoker such as The Smoking Gun is essential and you will find heaps of ways to get the maximum use out of this great gadget from smoking meats, whole meals, salmon and trout, ice-cream to peaches and everything in between:

Tall glass rimmed with your fave rimmer eg. Demitri’s Rim Shot

Demitri’s Bacon Rim Shot

Demitri’s has other flavors as well so a bit of experimenting is advised. They all go well.

Fill a tall glass with ice and the juice of a lime, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a dash or 5 of Frank’s Original Red Hot

Frank’s Original RedHot

or Sriracha

Sriracha

and a teaspoon of prepared horseradish.

Strain the prepared cocktail mix into a pitcher BEFORE adding the vodka and apply the Smoking Gun. Pour back over the ice and proceed with the vodka.

Fill the glass half-way with vodka and then top up with 50% Clamato and 50% a quality tomato juice. Taste and adjust seasonings -maybe add some freshly ground black pepper.

Garnish with a crisp celery top that doubles as a swizzle stick. Accompany this with a tray of nibbles such as Polish sausages or other smoked meats, salami, sharp cheeses,

Breakfast for one on Tailgate Party Day ? !!

Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: beverage, drinks, smoker

Cold Brew Kegerators For Tailgate Parties! Update 2018

By Rawhide

Cold Brew Kegerators: Brew Coffee & More

I bet you thought your kegerator could only do one thing – chill your brewski at your tailgate party. Wrong. In 2016, we now have Cold Brew Kegerators. So, Draft Beer or Draft Coffee? Both, thanks. Wine, tea, soda or *shudder* Kombucha and Kimchee? All of the above, you’re welcome.

Let’s leave small for later but here’s a big home brew kegerator that is around two thirds the price of normal 3 tap models:

Kegco Digital Home Brew Triple Faucet with Ball Lock Kegs Stainless Kegerator

Kegco HBK309B-1 Digital Home Brew Kegerator with 3 kegs

I love this model. At a pinch, yes, you can take it tailgate partying with you but it is full size and big.

It has all the bells and whistles including kegs that you know will fit. If you are a home-brewer then you will love this model. Kegco is a reputable brand. It has a wide temperature range allowing for fermenting and chilling, so you just keep the process contained. Press button deep chill finction ! Yesssss !

This kegerator dispenses up to three Cornelius ball lock Pepsi kegs. You can store a 6 gallon bucket or carboy during fermentation, or even store food, wine, kombucha *shudder* and other beverages. The HBK309S-3K’s spacious interior makes it perfect in the versatility stakes. The vitals of this kegerator are: 33″ H x 23-11/16″ W x 23-15/16″ D.

When your kegerator days are over, you can covert it to a fridge really easily (as if that time ever comes! But that’s what you tell whoever is standing in the way of your kegerator ownership, eh? ).

Very well reviewed.

From the biggest to the smallest – here’s the revolutionary Fizzics beer dispenser.

Fizzics revolutionary Beer Dispenser

Very fresh on the market, still being referenced on Shark Tank, the Fizzics is such a nifty way to serve draft beer that I am tempted to buy 6 of them and fill each with a different brewski. It runs on batteries (4 x AA) and you don’t need any nitro or other stuff to run it. Works with most bottles, cans or growlers. It is very new on the market but is universally loved already.

OK. That’s the small stuff. Bigger is better.

Before we progress to the cold brew kegerators, here’s the skinny on beer kegerators in 2016. From the outside, they don’t seem to have changed all that much since last year apart from some digital enhancements but in fact they have branched out. There are some big moves afoot. These chill-meisters are hot, hot, hot! Get used to names such as nitro coffee, javarators, tea-arators, winerators, sodarators, and yes, even those heinous kombucharators and kimchee dispensers.

Edgestar full size kegerator

What this diversity means is prices at the top seem to have dropped considerably. Initially, some bright spark invented kegerators designed for making cold-brew coffee (especially nitro) and other beverages as well as beer. Makes sense. Many consumers are resistant to buying single-use appliances and have found ways to broaden the use of kegerators. Coffee and beer are at the top of the list. Are the two compatible? Yup. They are. And,*shudder*, it’s true that some even can be used for kombucha. (Please do not bring that dragon’s bile to my tailgate parties especially if you have a neck beard and wear a hipster beanie.) Wine, cider, root beer and soda are forgivable. Did I mention many of the new kegerators dispense these – as well as tea – and of course, beer of all denominations? There are specialty taps for dark beers too. This new versatility, and the descending price, have made a kegerator the hottest new appliance in a man cave, tailgate party kit or just the kitchen. Wine cooler, move over. Just make sure the lines are 100% clean in between different beverages so you don’t get any cross-flavors and read up about the CO2 pressure you may need to apply to certain drinks. A side issue is that it was way easier to sell the idea to Ms. Tailgator when I mentioned that we could just as easily make cold-brew nitro coffee for her book club from the new kegerator. Read on for an introduction the best of the best dual purpose beer and cold-brew coffee kegerators.

Size matters:

Jacked Up Compact Cold Brew Coffee Making System

Jacked-Up Cold Press Coffee Making System

FYI multi-use Kegerators fall naturally into the category of full sized. ATM, there’s no compact alternative-use kegerator, though you can modify some to dispense other drinks. Choose one that is rated OK for homebrew. Some beer kegerators are classed as portable and others should be installed in place and left alone. The combo beer + coffee kegerators are all full size as they need to accommodate a nitrogen tank and at least one 5 gallon ball-lock keg. (Kickstarters and funding sites are still working on finessing compact versions. The highly anticipated Jacked Up cold press coffee maker is cheap, cute and portable though it doesn’t do a proper cascading pour, so there’s a bit of disappointment in its design.

Pour overs don’t fulfill the promise either as you need that whole nitro technology and cascading pour plus the kegerator system to store the coffee to avoid throwing out the brew at the end of the day.

Note also that some kegerators from our old articles are no longer made and the ones below, you will notice, have either dropped in price or stayed the same for years despite everything else becoming unaffordable. It has to do with popularity driving the prices down. Some have also been modified and improved as a result of feedback from buyers. Follow the links and have one sent, pronto, so that you can practice your smooth tailgate party moves before this year’s Super Bowl. Or next year’s.

So, where do you start? I have just put together a representative list. Of course, outside that, there are quite a few choices in the range and eventually I hope to test and cover many of them.

The specifications of the Edgestar coffee and beer dispenser are pretty much the gold-standard for versatile drinks dispensers. So I have spelled that one out in detail. Following that description, there is a list of other recommended kegerators that suit a variety of purposes.

EdgeStar S/S Dual Tap Cold Brew Coffee + Beer Dispenser

Meet the versatile EdgeStar Cold Brew Kegerator which could well be the star of your tailgate party. Note that it is ‘currrently unavailable’ on amazon.com but it may be worth writing to the makers to see if you can revive interest.

Dual Tap Edgestar kegerator for coffee

It’s a way to have all the beer you want and follow that up with all the cold brew coffee you need before you leave the tailgate party. This is what the EdgeStar Dual Tap Cold Brew Coffee + Beer Dispenser with Digital Display can do for you, (currently unavailable but you can go on the wait list) combining your two great loves at that other great iconic get-together, the tailgate party. I recommend this one for the man-cave as it is large, professional-looking and will be the centerpiece of your tailgate gate party (well, apart from the 60” TV with the game on it).

You may not want to haul ass this elegant appliance to your parking lot tailgate party. Yet I do know people who have done exactly that, mounting the kegerator in back of their pickup trucks and running their tailgate party from it as though it’s a food truck. It may be time to rethink the format and layout of the tailgate party and step it up a-piece. But I digress.

This EdgeStar stainless steel dual tap kegerator has been designed for the progressive office: perfect cold brew coffee in the morning, happy hour beers at 5 pm, then more coffee before heading home. IMHO, that’s a fine balance for a tailgate party not just life at the office. I think you get the picture.

This model includes a fully insulated draft tower, the coffee faucet – which, by the way, has a ‘*cascading pour feature’ to ensure a top quality crema on your coffee.

PLUS there is the regular beer faucet, a set of classic tap handles which you can switch out to something to suit your taste, 2 Sankey couplers (but I recommend you buy a couple of extras) a dual gauge nitrogen regulator and a CO2 regulator. Tanks included are 1 x 5lb nitrogen tank (for the coffee) and 1 x 5lb CO2 tank (for the beer).

You can easily check the temperature on this kegerator as it has a digital display. You can set it and forget it using the touch controls.

So what does it hold? The cabinet can easily store 2 x sixth barrel kegs (or one of these plus a 5 gallon ball lock keg), gas tanks and all the other equipment required. If you are running a dual system, you may put your nitro tank outside at the back of the unit. (With some kegerators, you need to run dual lines (two separate beverages), you may need to drill the holes a little larger. Check that this does not void your warranty. But with the EdgeStar, it’s all there for you.)

This freestanding EdgeStar Cold Brew kegerator, including castors for ease of moving from room to room or location to location, comes in black or stainless steel so when you order, be sure to click on the correct finish wrap for your décor. It is also amazingly inexpensive at the moment given that it has been designed for stout style beers (such as Guinness or Negro Modelo or your own home brew). Two refrigerator shelves are included so that it can double as a fridge as required.

The temperature adjusts from 32-50degrees F which is 0-10 degrees C. These are optimum beverage temperatures and the deep chill mode ensures your beer will be frosty cold with the perfect head.

And it is guaranteed for 1 year (parts) and 90 days (labor). The company gives great service and follow-up with any questions or issues.

As indicated above, note that it is on backorder at the moment. But make contact with the company and they will add you to their waiting list which I hope is being reduced by the day.

Kegco Kombucherator

If Kombucha is your thing, then this Kegco Kombucherator is made for you. (Available here: https://www.kegco.com/beer-dispensing/kegerators/double-faucet/kom19b-2/)

It has all the parts necessary including a digital display and that makes maintaining that temperature for fermentation a snap. Looks like a kegerator. And it is a kegerator. But there you go! Versatility personified. Remember to clean the lines carefully in between uses.

EdgeStar Winerator

Full Size Dual Tap Stainless Steel Wine Dispenser

Edgestar Winerator – Wine Dispenser

No matter if you plan to serve wine by-the-glass or by-the-carafe, this system saves you money by keeping the bulk purchased wine fresh and true to its terroir, is great for the environment in saving bottles and corks. If you have winos at your tailgate party, this is a great investment.

This is the EdgeStar wine dispenser and an environmentally responsible way to drink wine. It makes for a great money-saving as well as being green. You can keep beer in one side and wine in the other if you add a CO2 tank for the beer side and an additional regulator. Price-wise, it’s a huge bargain at the moment. All dispensing components are wine-certified, and that includes the barrier tubing preventing oxygenation and the 304 stainless steel faucets required to avoid any cross-flavors. You just need to find a provider of wine kegs near you or order them through your wine dealer or http://wineberry.com/wine-on-tap/

http://www.kegerator.com/edgestar-wine-keg-dispenser-wine-on-tap-system/WKC2000.html?utm_campaign=cj&utm_medium=aff&aff_id=1002&utm_source=1490881&mtcpromotion=cj

They tell me that this can double as a cigar humidor! That makes it even better value for some folks.

Anyway, if you need to convert it back exclusively to beer dispensing, that’s a cinch. Just replace the current tank valve or switch the tank itself to a CO2 tank and you are ready to dispense beer.

Sodarator, Meadarator, Ciderator and more

Kegco Full-Size Digital Homebrew Kegerator Triple Faucet Stainless with Ball Lock Kegs

Triple tap Kegco kegerator full size

Even though Kegerators were designed for beer, they are also excellent for Cider, Root Beer, Mead, sodas of all kinds. Having a kids’ party? Then dispense the sodas from your kegerator. This triple tap kegerator is ideal and if you need more space for nitro or additional tanks, you can store them behind the appliance. Beer lines must be cleaned thoroughly before changing beverages. There is a real accent on sterilising the 0-rings and beer lines. (I advise you to have a few spares of each plus a handy beer line cleaning kit ).

By regularly purging air with CO2, you can remove some of the possible yeast contamination that might be present in your keg. Yeast could cause your sodas, mead or soda to ferment. Attach your CO2 gas canister to the keg and pull your safety valve for ten seconds which will replace the air with CO2.

Then, when it’s all clean, Just fit a keg of a non-alcoholic beverage into one of your kegerator’s taps and make a few easy tweaks to increase the CO2 pressure to dispense sodas such as root beer, cola, ginger ale.

You can buy a dual or triple tap version and vary the drinks.

How to Setup a Kegerator to Serve Nitro Coffee

Generally speaking, you will find instructions in the kit. But if you don’t like reading instructions here is a quick outline and a link to an easy video. Some manufacturers or sellers include a link to a video and if you don’t find one of those, check out Youtube inputting your model number.

Assemble the kegerator hardware

Plumb the gas and beverage lines and keep them scrupulously clean in between brews

Mount the supplied draft tower

Install a stout faucet for the cascading pour feature

Connect the gas and liquid lines to the keg

Install the gas to use for nitro coffee

Set the pressure to use when serving nitro coffee

Practice pouring with a stout faucet

Change the taps to ones of your choice if you desire. The chalkboard ones allow you to describe the contents. Use a wet chalk pen so it doesn’t erase.

A short Glossary of Javarator terms

*Cascading pour regulates the way the beverage is dispensed and ensures full body in every drink.

*Crema is that foam you get on well-brewed pure coffee before the cream or milk arrives. In quality coffee, you can get a head as great as a cappuccino, yet there’s nothing added.

*Check out this Youtube video showing hints for setup and use. It’s a detailed video which spells it out. You may need to play it a few times.

Here’s a general instructional about putting together your kegerator:

Step-by-Step: Kegerator Assembly Guide

Warning! Warning! There’s actually a Kimchi kegerator.

Samsung Kimchee refrigerator

Please don’t try to put beer in this one.

Finally, let’s say that as kegerators have moved out of the shadows they have become better engineered and the service from the manufacturing companies is a lot better. This is by no means a complete list but it should be a good starting point for you to flick through the choices available on line. No matter what the weather, even if your team loses, even if the BBQ runs out of gas mid-sear, at least you will get the beverages right. (Currently, you need to put your name on their wait list).

Happy tailgate partying!

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Filed Under: Accessories, Beverages Tagged With: beverage, brew, coffee, cold brew coffee, Kegerator, Tailgate Party

Whaaaaaaaat? The New Red Solo Cup Is Now SQUARE!

By Rawhide

Stopped dead in my tracks at Stater Bros. today. OK, so this may not mean a thing to some of you but there is now a NEW version of the famous Red Solo Cup! This new Red Solo Cup has a square, spill-proof base.

Red Solo Cup has a square base !

Hmmmm. Does this mean that players of beer pong will be able to cheat? No cups will be knocked over, no beer will be spilled (a good thing). Oh and you can buy a trillion or so for around $75 so there’s probably no impact on the hip pocket. Pretty much the same bargainacious offering as the old round Red Solo Cup.

Red Solo cup is square

Red Solo cup is square and BLUE

What do you think about the new square cup? What difference will this make to your tailgate parties?

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Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: Beer, beverage, Red Solo Cup

Review: Best Portable Kegerators For Tailgate Parties.

By Rawhide

One of the questions I am asked constantly is ‘what’s the best portable kegerator available that I can take to a tailgate party?’ It seems to be a perennial problem for most of my hard-partying, beer-swilling funster-dude friends. They obsess over the details. Me, I used to be quite OK with slinging a few freshly filled growlers in a cooler and keeping life simple. After all, at the end of the day when the beer is warm and flat, you are generally in no condition to notice the quality of the brew. Oh, you are? Really? Well, OK then. The answer to keeping your brewski chilled, fresh-tasting and on tap is to transport it in a kegerator that you can set up in the shade (never in the sun) and fill it with a keg or two of your favorite beer.

There are not so many options in truly portable units so here are my three picks in large, medium and small size with a bonus improvisation that I recommend to the budget-challenged among us.

Let’s start at the ‘Go big or go home’ level. This assumes ownership or access to a Silverado or equivalent and maybe a canopy to erect to create shade over your dining experience. It also assumes that you will be sharing the tailgate party with a mob of your rowdiest friends that the designated driver is content to scrape up the remains of the party at the end of the day and hand out the hangover cures.

Raise your hand for the best portable kegerator!

Yeah, well that’s most people isn’t it? Here’s the best one on the market. It is also a little pricey, but you will save its price in beer in just one sporting season if you are a committed Beerophile. You may even qualify for an environmental warrior award in some states, say, Portland Or. – just by virtue of the fact that you will be avoiding using so many bottles and cans. Your drinking is doing the world a favor ….

The Best Portable Kegerator – High Budget

Some might call the Summit Stainless Door Portable Beer Dispenser the ultimate in portable Kegerators. For some it’s aspirational. To us, it’s just simply the best portable kegerator and it’s perfect for outdoor tailgate parties.

The Summit Portable Beer Dispenser / Kegerator (SBC500SSST) is a freestanding full size beer dispenser with a stainless steel top and wrapped fingerprint resistant stainless steel door. It is very definitely portable and has been designed using really tough casters on which you can roll your kegerator to wherever you want it.

Best Portable Kegerator: Summit Stainless Door Kegerator

So for starters, you may need to invest in a dock plate, which can be adjusted as a ramp to wheel all the gear onto your truck.

BLUFF All-Aluminum Dock Plates

This will make loading and unloading your gear an absolute breeze and really doesn’t cost much at all. You will find lots of uses for this nifty ramp around the party site.

The cheaper ones like the Eagle 1795 are made from heavy duty plastic but are still very durable.

But back to the kegerator. It is sleek and contemporary and will fit in with any décor so you can use it at the tailgate party, take it home and put it back in the man cave. By the way, in referring to ‘man’ cave, I am being in no way sexist. I appreciate that many women are great tailgate party givers and participants and have a beer-cetric corner in their mostly Martha Stewart kitchens. So please don’t judge me. It is just common terminology for a haven, a chapel to malt and hops. But I digress,

The Summit SBC500SSST Beer Dispenser/Kegerator comes with everything to enhance pulling a beer: a 5 pound CO2 tank, a Regulator, a Draft tower, a Sankey American tap which you can switch out for one of your liking, say a team logo tap or something cheeky or just one of those chalkboard taps where you can write the name of the brew, a top guard rail, wooden keg slats, drip tray and basic cleaning kit.

The SBC500SSST accepts half, quarter or mini kegs and allows you to serve ice cold beer on tap and the beer stays fresh for months. It is 100% CFC Free!

Oh, and just remember that if you are in the company of folk who recognize the name ‘Summit’ these are people of QUALITY. And if they recommend you upgrade to this little (or, should I say “big”) beauty, they are even more likeable IMHO.

The Summit SS Outdoor Serving Cart w/ Kegerator is probably better than the best portable kegerator in features and size. It outclasses them all – but, it’s also expensive! So, it can’t really take the place of the Summit SBC500SSST for poll position in the race for best portable kegerator. But, if you have the money… by all means – get this one!

Summit SS Outdoor Serving Cart w/ Kegerator

The Summit company has a good name too and they stand behind every kegerator they make with a 1 year ‘parts and labor/5 years compressor’ warranty.

You supply the keg of your choice from the sizes mentioned – half, quarter and mini keg only. Don’t try to force a larger one into the interior as if you don’t keep the door shut snugly, you will never be able to keep the beer chilled. The result – one foamy mess. The appliance is quiet while operating and has been designed to run economically with an adjustable thermostat and regulator. I would highly recommend shelling out for a really great cleaning kit and build the cleaning regimen into your keg-maintenance routine. The other recommendation would be to make sure you have something soft (removalists’ blankets for instance) to protect it while on the road. I also would plug it into a battery pack to keep the cool happening till you set up at the tailgate party site.

The weight is 150 pounds without the beer and dimensions are 35 x 23 7/8 x 25 ¼ so you’d better have that Silverado as it won’t fit in a SmartCar.

Now let’s scale down to a small kegerator. This one may just squeeze into a SmartCar.

The Best Portable Kegerator For The Money – Low to Medium Budget

The Koolatron Beer Mini Kegerator

Koolatron Beer Mini Kegerator

From time to time, you see an average-good appliance that has attracted some vicious negative reviews on selling sites. And other people have nothing but praise. In the kegerator world, the handling of the appliance is as important as the choice of which to buy. You need to keep them out of the sunlight, keep the lines and so on spotlessly clean and maintain it.

In other words, teach the designated driver some of these skills and most kegerators on the market, at any price point, will give you good service. Many problems could just be a maintenance/rough handling issue. Read the instructions and remember that cleanliness is next to beeriness.

So back to the Koolatron. It is neat, compact and eminently carryable. Will fit in the back of a car. My advice is to pack it in a box, cover that box so that sun doesn’t heat it up and also keep it plugged in during the journey to the parking lot. You can do that by purchasing a battery pack. We have a Duracell PowerPack and it runs for hours.

You will find this little beauty will keep any small kegerator chilled so that you will avoid the foaminess associated with a rise in temperatures. Handy as a light source and will charge your phone too.

But I digress …. The Koolatron Mini Beer Chiller is just 9.5 x 9.5 x 17.8 inches. It doesn’t hold a heap but gives you beer on tap. It has a removable drip-tray. It runs quietly and has been nicely designed with a bit of style to it. Only weighs 11.7 pounds without the beer so it’s a natural for a small car, small tailgate party. Will fit a mini keg.

The Best Portable Kegerator – Medium Budget

The similar sized Avanti 2 Mini Keg Portable Party Pub is such a great price (under $300) that everyone could bring their own when there’s large tailgate party happening. It may not be the best portable kegerator but, what it lacks in features, it makes up for in price! The Avanti is very popular for those who don’t want to make a massive investment in their kegerator and it will definitely get the job done without breaking the bank.

Avanti 2 Mini Keg Portable Kegerator

The company claims that you can bring the party with you wherever you go with the Avanti Portable Party Pub (CB350S-IS). Two (2) mini-kegs can be stashed in this little cutie and they can be different beers. Interior LED lighting with an on/off switch will light up the Avanti inside to make setting it up really easy. Some other kegs do not have this feature and it makes it quite hard to set up. Not for the Avanti which is a breeze! There’s a glass storage shelf to chill mugs/glasses and that is a really useful feature. The design is pretty nice and while there is a stylish draught style handle and tap for convenient pouring, you may like to switch that for something that supports your team. Hey, if you are tailgating, then dress your kegerator to match your party.

You’ll love the digital temperature control for easy temperature regulation. As it is really vital to keep the temperature chilled and constant, there’s a safety latch to ensure the door stays closed while you’re dispensing your brewski. Plus, it also has a see-through window to showcase and identify your beer menu as you can clearly see the side of the keg. It makes a good storage space for the kegs and so this means that when those ‘2 for 1’ offers happen at your beer store, you can take advantage of the cheap price and keep the beer a-coming for months. The CO2 regulator and pressure gauge may take a little bit of adjusting but all instructions are included. Do a test run before featuring this at the tailgate party.

Some users have reported problems with the Avanti. As with all others in this range of portable kegerators, I must emphasize that keeping the unit clean, out of the sun, plugged in at all times and chilled will avoid most of these dramas.

The warranty will ensure that any parts that may snap off (well, some of your drunken buddies may not be as gentle with the unit as you, the proud owner, are …) can be replaced by the manufacturer so keep all your paperwork handy.

Dimensions are 21 x 18.25 x 20 x 25 by the way and the input voltae is 115V/60 Hz. It weighs 35 pounds empty.

I think that this is a really great little unit suited particularly for a tailgate party where you may have guests who like different beers. You can give them a choice of two. At a low cost, this is a step up from the smallest unit but is not a massive outlay. A nice gift for that guy in your life as well. (Pick me, pick meeeee!).

Bonus round – the Low Tech Version: A Portable Growler Bag from KegWorks.

KegWorks Insulated Beer Growler Bag

The Best Portable Kegerator – Low Budget

From time to time, growlers come on the market at really low, low prices or in such cool shapes as to make them irresistable such as this cutie that looks like a real keg.

While it is not as awesome as having draft beer on tap with your own kegerator, it’s is a low cost insulted growler tote that keeps your beer at a reasonable temperature for the duration of the tailgate party. Sure, it’s not the best portable kegerator but, for some it’s better than the best of the best portable kegerators because it’s simple, ultra-portable and very convenient. You can buy a few of these and sling them over the back of your car’s headrest, but we all know that in most states of the US of A, this is a no-no. So here’s a warning to young and old, do pack these in the trunk of the vehicle as you cannot carry an open (or even refillable) bottle inside the car as it is against the Highway Code.

Stainless Steel Keg Style Growler

I know folk who take these when they go on micro-brewery crawls in the Portland Or. area, buying a growler or three on the way. One for each bottle of course. Anyway, they do keep the beer cold and require nothing in the way of power or technology. The dimensions are 7″W x 12″H x 6″D. Logically, you could sling a whole range of these into your picnic box and gently transport them to a parking lot where the merriment and beer menu will make your tailgate party memorable.

Ultimately, though, the beer is not a patch as good as draft beer no matter where you source it and the only way to get draft out on location is to transport a portable kegerator. The choice is yours as is the maximum fun!

Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: Beer, beverage, Kegerator, Portable, Tailgate Party

Kegerator Review: Summit Professional Outdoor Kegerator

By Rawhide

Summit Professional Outdoor Kegerator

Kegerator Review: Summit Commercial Kegerator–Perfect for Outdoor Use and Made by a USA Family Company!

There are not too many USA made kegerators on the market and I went hunting for one that was well-reviewed. The lower end kegerators don’t really fill that bill. The upper level ones, more of an investment kegerator that some of those that really, you don’t expect to last more than one NFL season, have mixed results. But after a long search and a lot of questioning of friends and family, I think I have one you will like. And I’m proud to do a kegerator review of a 100% All-American company.

Summit is a manufacturer of outdoor refrigerators and semi-professional outdoor gear and they have around 600 refrigerator models in their range. They are as American as apple pie, so, with the outdoor kegerator specifically in mind, I took a look at this one they make. Felix Storch, Inc. was founded in 1969 and has been a leading supplier of compact, specialty, commercial, and medical refrigerators and freezers ever since. In its first year, they trademarked the Summit brand name to guarantee quality at the highest level. Distribution started in Long Island City, New York, before moving to the Bronx in 1983, where the company headquarters is now located with warehousing in Edison, Noo Jois-ey.

Summit is a private, family-owned business with no outside investors and that’s kind of great, isn’t it? I reckon that one of the grandsons has invented this smooth appliance. This is your perfect July 4th Kegerator!! Also perfect for Thanksgiving. Oh and Rose Bowl parties, Superbowl Sunday, Friday Night Lights and all that stuff. Mmmm, and watching soccer matches on the outdoor TV screen.

It’s been designed and made for the commercial outdoor market – outdoor bars, cafés that serve beer, resorts, beer gardens and … home BBQ areas where beer is king!

Remember the golden rule – most of the kegerators for indoor use need to stay there. Temperature fluctuations caused by the conditions in your yard will make beer heat up and foam too much and so there is wastage. Nooooooooo! You need a specific outdoor kegerator for the Great Outdoors. So, is it fair of me to include this in a site specifically about tailgate parties? Well, yes, as homegating has become the new tailgating. So many of my friends are tricking out their yards with BBQs,, upmarket grills, rotisseries, smokers, fire pits and of course, a great big TV. I think it is worth looking at the possibilities of adding value to your house and turning it into your own little touch of paradise – beer on tap whenever you want it!

Allow me to present the Summit SBC490OS kegerator and draft beer dispenser which has been constructed to meet commercial quality standards outdoors. It is set in a stainless steel, non-corroding 304 grade stainless steel with a matching door. With finished sides and top with a professional steel rail around the edge and generous drip tray, the Summit SBC490OS is equally suited for built-in or freestanding applications. I have seen these slotted into masonry work and others integrated into custom cabinets. This is a genuine full-sized kegerator which can readily accommodate standard 1/2, 1/4 or pony (mini) beer kegs. This gives you a cooler with a draft tower made for your beer whether purchased or home-brew. There’s a special fan to cool the compressor if it has been built in plus extra shelves are provided to convert the unit into an automatically defrosting refrigerator. Yeah, right, ladies, as if I will be allowing that to happen. You won’t be keeping your designer salads and tiramisu in my kegerator.

You can actually customize this kegerator to some degree. For instance, you can request a diamond-plate door to give it a cool industrial design. This is the great thing about buying a locally made product. The Summit company has a good name and they stand behind every kegerator they make. (I don’t mind them standing behind my kegerator as long as they just keep quiet don’t demand too much beer …).

The list of inclusions covers all draft beer drinking eventualities. You get the CO2 tank, a regulator, a coupler, beer and air lines, a tap, a basic cleaning kit, a tower, faucet and faucet handle (which you can convert and customize). You supply the keg of your choice from the sizes mentioned – half, quarter and mini keg only. Don’t try to force a larger one into the interior as if you don’t keep the door shut snugly, you will never be able to keep the beer chilled. The result – one foamy mess. The appliance is quiet while operating and has been designed to run economically. I would highly recommend shelling out for a really great cleaning kit and build the cleaning regimen into your keg-maintenance routine.

Here’s a really great cleaning kit that easily looks after lines, taps etc. and remember not to scour or scratch the stainless steel finish.

Deluxe Beer Line Cleaning Kit

This deluxe cleaning kit has all the brushes you need to get into nooks and crannies and also has a pound of Brew Clean, the best chemical (read, ‘safest’ and non flavor ruining!) you can buy for your kegerator. There’s no point in buying a kegerator and leaving it to build up gunk and sludge as the beer will be ruined, you’ll have a smelly mess in your BBQ area and probably get sick. Sicker than you would if you are drinking pure, icy beer!

Manuals on setting up and operating are provided and it is important to follow these instructions carefully. The manuals can also be downloaded online so when you spill beer on the paper versions, you have a backup.

The Summit comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor and 5 years on the compressor. It is also environmentally friendly being 100% CFC free.

Technical Specifications

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this Kegerator review of the Summit professional outdoor kegerator. And, before I finish, don’t forget to double check these Technical Specifications and never forget California’s Prop 65 warning!

The power you need to run it? 115 volts, 60 cycle, 3 prong plug. Treat it right and it is energy efficient. Don’t continually open the door and don’t install in direct sunshine. It is one of the few outdoor kegerators on the market that gets high praise from all buyers.

It weighs 150 pounds and the dimensions are: . 34 1/2″h x 23 3/4″w x 26″d

For Californian residents: PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm.

No kegerator is a slam-dunk when you first put it in. It will take you a little effort to get used to correct settings in your environment. But if you persist. all the while ensuring that you follow the instructions, keeping the unit cool, all parts spotlessly clean and always using correct keg sizes, you will pay for it in beer savings over the first few years of owning the appliance, depending on how much you drink. In these economic times, doesn’t it give you a warm, fuzzy feeling to realize how much you can save by drinking more beer?

Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: Beer, beverage, Kegerator, Review, Summit, Tailgate Party

Avanti Kegerator Review: Avanti 2 Mini Keg Portable Party Pub Model:CB350S-IS

By Rawhide

Avanti 2 Mini Keg Portable Kegerator

The Universal Problem of transporting draft beers to the tailgate party may have a working solution. The Avanti 2 Mini Keg Portable Party Pub is a real contender. For starters, Avanti is Florida based. When last I looked, Florida was the party state. I am assuming they know a lot about beer… so read on for a very detailed review of the Avanti kegerator “Portable Party Pub”. And, don’t forget: this is more than just an Avanti Kegerator Review–we have included valuable information on cleaning, transporting, accessories and how to make the most out of your new kegerator!

Avanti Kegerator Review

Strictly speaking, this is not an outdoor kegerator and it only holds 2 mini-kegs at a time. Around 30 beers. However, it has been designed to be extremely portable. So, with that in mind, this is a great choice for the best kegerator to take to the tailgate party. It measures 21” high, 18.25” wide and 20.25” deep, so it is possible to carry this to your parking lot site and set it up on a solid surface (table that won’t collapse under the weight of the unit, 2 kegs) – never mind so much about the 2 kegs as they will be drained pretty fast, problem solved.

Like a fridge, there’s a cool LED light inside with an on/off switch. Avanti has equipped this kegerator with a glass-storage shelf where you can stand a couple of not-too-large glasses to chill. It’s not really solid state inside but Avanti has good warranties so if you run in to trouble when the carousing gets out of hand, send it back and replace it. The exterior is platinum finish and the surface just wipes clean. You don’t need to use abrasives.

A mini-keg holds 5 liters. You get 3 x 12 oz drinks to a liter, the keg holds 2 x 5 liters so you get around 30 drinks in this kegerator. Sooooooo, that’s my share. What are you drinking? Bring your own along please ….

Still 30 drinks of draft ale perfectly chilled is a nice foundation for a tailgate party, no?

Avanti’s Party Pub is a good description as you can store and keep chilled two kegs of different brands. On the outside of the door there is a digital temperature control for easy temperature regulation. It is really important to keep the door closed so there is a neat safety latch to make sure the door stays closed while you’re dispensing your brew of choice. It is equipped with one tap so you can’t switch between kegs with great ease, but you will have the luxury of draft beer on site. The tap is just a generic, black pull-down one but I could see it would not be too much of a strain to swap this for something more team-ish. Don’t lift the unit by the tap – you can pick it up by the stand. The tap is fine for what it does, but it is not heavy duty enough to serve as a handle.

The see-through window showcases and identifies your kegs and that window is reasonably hardy.

This Avanti Kegerator weighs around 35 pounds without the beer. Allow for this and its packing (see below) when you are configuring your portable gear for the best tailgate party ev-ahhhhh …..

Avanti Kegerator Accessories

The Avanti Portable Party Pub has only one challenge as a portable unit: you need to keep it really cool and temperature-stable. Don’t site it in the sun and keep it out of rain, water spray or drips. Wind can affect it too. It needs to stay plugged in to a power source for starters. A surge protector is recommended for a wall socket – some cities have terrible power surges which will cause your unit to burn out. Yes, I’m looking at you, Detroit!

Refrigerator and Appliance Voltage Protector 115v 10 AMP with 3 MIN Delay

Surge Protector

A portable battery pack is essential if you have a long way to travel or your tailgate party site does not have a power source (most don’t). I have a Duracell battery pack and it works OK with this. The specs say 115 V and the battery will last a few hours with the kegerator plugged into it.

Duracell DRPP300 Powerpack 300-Watt Jump Starter and Emergency Power Source

Portable Battery Pack

When the beer has all been drunk, you can use the power pack to run a light so that you can re-pack the truck for your trip home.

Now, this is more than just an Avanti Kegerator review. Here are some tips to get the most out of your system. Keeping the unit cool is a bit of a challenge but not one that a large space blanket or foil faced bubble wrap can’t handle. Foil-faced bubble wrap is a radiant barrier. It’s not insulation. However, you can line a carton with it and slip your Avanti Portable Party Pub in the box so that you can avoid the radiant heat. In brief, here’s your little craft exercise for the week. It’s so darn easy you can get your bratty nephew to do it instead of practicing graffiti on your garage walls.

Buy 2 rolls of Reflectix Bubble Pack Insulation. Cut it in squares to your box size.

Stick it together with this Reflective Insulation Tape.

My advice is to cut it to 6 inches larger than the size of the kegerator (allowing for proper air circulation) which will allow you to make yourself a nice loose box liner (again, for air circulation). Line said box. The box needs a sturdy base, flat as a table top. Seal it with the tape around all raw edges for a pro-look and to prevent tearing and place the kegerator in this airy, yet insulated cave. Don’t place the kegerator next to the BBQ or any other heat source. You need to keep it cool and certainly not in direct sunlight, rain or wind as said earlier. Warm beer goes foamy, doesn’t tap right, overflows and wastes.

As long as you allow space around it, the unit will not overheat. If the temperature in the parking lot is going to be gruesome, then consider double walling your Reflectix bubble pack and inserting some flat cooler sheets in each wall to maintain the cold. Flexi Freeze Refreezable Ice Sheets are good as they can be refrozen many times and are flat enough to slip between the layers.

This may seem a bit Gyro Gearloose/White Trash fix-up, but it does work! You can even cut this to size to make window covers for the SUV or RV and it works out way cheaper than the custom made ones on the market.

The digital readout is flush with the surface and the light glows with a pleasant blue. It is easy to clean. Read up on the instructions on how to keep it clean. You will want to make sure to wipe it over after every use. Keep a couple of team bar towels handy! Hand wash only. Well, no idiot even is going to think of putting this in the dishwasher but I’m just sayin’ ….

NFL Chicago Bears Kitchen And Tailgate Towel Set

A kegerator cleaning kit is a must: get one with a pressurized line-cleaning system. It will pay dividends as gunk in the kegerator will ruin your beer. Clean it on every keg change.

Kegco Deluxe Hand Pump Pressurized Keg Beer Cleaning Kit w/ 32 oz. Cleaner

Kegerator Cleaning Kit

How Long Will The Beer Last In The Kegerator?

The life of the beer in the kegerator? Indefinite. It will last as long as you don’t drink it, provided the temperature is stable. That is a benefit in itself as you can pull beers in tiny glasses for the Ladies. Normally, they just sip off the top of a can and throw the rest away. This way, you can’t help but save money.

Just remember that, despite what it says in the instructions, your actual keg needs to be pre-chilled and the kegerator needs 24 hours at least of running time prior to putting the beer in it. Do not be tempted to flash-cool the beer in your freezer. It could freeze or even burst. Then you’ll be REALLY sorry.

The Avanti is a compact design and will be easily fitted into your trunk with a small BBQ and your Poleish Game, red cups, food and coolers.

There is an instruction book and a One Year Limited Warranty. Only use the CO2 gas cylinders recommended for the unit.

The instruction book is really great. Pictures, diagrams and clear descriptions plus a neat trouble shooting section. Congrats Avanti! This is one of the best instruction books I have seen. It’s in Spanish and English, too.

They are only shipped within the USA at present.

A great solution to the tailgate party draft beer dilemma to be sure!

**CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING:
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: Beer, beverage, Kegerator, Review, Tailgate Party

The #1 Best Kegerator: A Better Investment Than Shares!

By Rawhide

Over the years, I have been asked ‘What is your favorite kegerator?’ and ‘What is the #1 all-time best kegerator?’ by countless folk. My friend Seth has a good take on this. He says that the best keg is the one you can slip into your man-cave and when it seems to be too small for your beer intake or when you need money, you can sell it and get a heap of your money back to put towards an upgrade or something else you need. You’ll notice a lot of ‘starter kegs’ in our article Top 10 Best Beer Keg Dispensers Reviewed such as the KRUPS and HEINEKEN B100 BeerTender with Heineken Draught Keg technology

KRUPS and HEINEKEN B100 BeerTender

The BeerTender is great. But you’re not likely to want to trade it in on a more expensive model but more likely to be leaning towards buying them a big brother.
Here are the two main alternatives.

Buy a few of these and stock your favorite compatible brands of beer in separate containers. Buy a nice branded tap and identify them with their contents. The Pros of doing that are that you can, with the assistance of one of these Duracell Powerpacks take them to your tailgate party and there ain’t a thing wrong with that!

Duracell DPP-300EP Powerpack 300

I have one of these battery packs and use it when I need light, when tires need to be pumped up or the car needs a jump-start. You can run a little portable kegerator on it for a few hours. Nice. So that’s done and dusted for the tailgate party on the move. But at home?

The Best Kegerator

Buy one of these first up:

EdgeStar Full Size Built-In Kegerator – Stainless Steel (KC7000SS).

EdgeStar Full Size Built-In Kegerator

This EdgeStar kegerator is, in my friend Seth’s opinion, the nearest thing to having a pub in your own house. It is designed to be built-in but you can also use it freestanding and whip it out if you need to transport it or sell it. I don’t need to tell you all the stuff about how great it makes the beer taste etc. – that is a given.

Don’t forget that you can also get a $25 discount using Coupon code TAILGATE which will take $25 off any full sized EdgeStar kegerator at kegerator.com. Coupon code TAILGATE15 will take $15 off the TBC50S mini Kegerator.

It works like an industrial, commercial machine. Perfect beer. You can accessorize it with taps and hoses and gadgetry. Check out the manual and so on before you buy as you need a bit of a list of things to make it tick. Many licensed concession stands and ‘food trucks’ have these. Just ask. Imagine one of these in the man cave, BBQ area, kitchen or home bar! Click on the link for all the details of the specifications and so on.

Anyway, the point of telling you this is that Seth got married recently, moved to a tiny apartment and had to sacrifice the chapel that he had installed to the Gods of Beer. He sold his beautiful kegerator and got back 111% of the money he had spent on purchasing it some years ago. It more than held its value as he had bought it cheaply, kept it in pristine condition and accessorized it. Amazing! Had he bought shares, his money would have been down the toilet and been taxable as well. And you can’t drink shares, not even if they are in the Heineken company.

So my point is that the top level home kegerators can actually be a great investment.

Just sayin’

Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: Beer, beverage, Kegerator, Tailgate Party

The Best Hangover Cure Pills

By Rawhide

Trust me! I’m a doctor! No, I’m not. Not even a chiropractor. But I do know that when one over-indulges in the demon drink, there is generally a price to pay and you’ll be looking for the best hangover cure pills out there. That errrrrrghhhhhh feeling in the morning. Perhaps preceded by a bit of a Technicolor Yodel around midnight. A bit of hugging the porcelain followed by intense dehydration.

Is it worth it?

Hell yeah! If you like tailgating.

Help is at hand, of course. There are thousands of hangover cures, and most of them relate to replacing electrolytes, fluids and salts as quickly as you can and ingesting vitamin B.

Here are the 5 best hangover cure pills that (anecdotally) my friends and I have found fast and effective and not too expensive. My disclaimer is that I haven’t done any double blinds on these or scientific testing. It’s just that these seem to tick all the boxes of helping the human body manage alcohol and don’t have any toxic effects on their own. Read all labels and make sure that you are not taking something that clashes with your own medication. Oh, that’s probably alcohol …. But seriously, folks, if you are on ANY medication, consult your doctor, take these pills, label and pack with you and make sure that you do not risk any side effects and bad interaction between the ingredients of your RX and your supplement.

FYI, a lot of these supplements contain ‘prickly pear’ extract. Prickly pear is actually Nopales, as eaten in most homes in Mexico. If you over indulge in the green de-thorned cactus paddles either as a salad or cooked, I guarantee you will be on the toilet for many a session. Eating too much gives you the squits. OK, there. I’ve said it. That could be a good thing – expel all the alcohol vertically rather than crouched over the bowl offering prayers to the porcelain god.

Most have been Tailgate Party/Vegas-tested and that is as scientific as it gets.

1. PreToxx for Hangovers & Liver Support (45 Vegetarian Capsules with Prickly Pear, Milk Thistle, Cysteine, and Electrolyte Blend)

PreToxx for Hangovers & Liver Support

Prevention being better than cure, I introduce to you a liver health supplement that claims to ease you through the drinking by making your liver stronger and more able to filter out the toxins. This seems like a good idea. Kind of like having your liver do pushups before the tailgate party. All of the above pointers apply. It supports liver function using prickly pear and milk thistle extracts mixed with electrolytes. Not a drug. PreToxx cannot claim to prevent or affect alcohol intoxication and the usual ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ warnings must be read and internalized along with a tequila shot. Hey, we all know someone who can take turns at being the designated driver! Not for pregnant women but I’m guessing alcohol isn’t either.

The ingredients are: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Thiamine HCl (Vitamin B-1), N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear Extract), Milk Thistle Extract, Pyridoxine HCl (Vitamin B-6), Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B-12), Calcium (Amino Acid Chelate), Magnesium (Amino Acid Chelate), Chloride (Sodium Chloride), Sodium (Sodium Chloride), Potassium (Amino Acide Chelate), Manganese (Amino Acide Chelate). You take 3 of these and a large glass of water before the booze-up and 3 more before collapsing into your coma after the tailgate party. If you take one a day, it is supposed to support a healthy liver. It prevents dehydration. You can read the full explanation of how each of the ingredients works on the brochure. Many users have claimed that this is an excellent hangover preventative as long as you keep taking the pills. Ceasing the pill-popping may cause the hangover to creep up on you! Also, be sure to swig an occasional glass of water during the night. You will avoid the body aches and post-drinking anxiety by keeping hydrated.

Note: the pills have a really strong vitamin odor probably from the huge quantity of vitamin B in the mix. Flatulent users, beware. You will never get away with blaming the dog while on these pills.

2. Pregame Hangover Pill – 60 Capsules, 100% Natural Ingredients

Pregame Hangover Pill

Pregame hangover pills prevent hangover symptoms including headaches, nausea, and dizziness. This product works as a hangover cure by restoring essential vitamins and minerals that are depleted while drinking alcohol. Pregame is manufactured in the U.S. in a FDA-inspected GMP compliant facility.

If you are under a physician’s care or taking medication, consult your healthcare professional.
The ingredients in the Pregame Hangover pill are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Potassium, Milk Thistle, L-Cysteine, and Prickly Pear Extract.

This one doesn’t require you to take umpteen pills. You just take one capsule of Pregame with at least 8oz of water before your first drink. After your first few drinks take another capsule with 8oz of water. For maximum effectiveness take an additional capsule with 8oz of water after your last drink. They don’t have the stench either. Many users swear by these as they prevent the headaches usually the killer after a long tailgate party with a few rounds of flip cup. If you are nervous about this, I would say have a weekend experiment when you do not have to get up next day. Drink like crazy, take the pills and see how you feel. Well, that is very scientific.

3. Drinkwel – The Multivitamin for People Who Drink (With Kudzu Flower, Milk Thistle, N-acetyl Cysteine)

Drinkwel – The Multivitamin for People Who Drink

90 pills to a bottle is 30 servings so you need 3 to get you through a drinking session. This has similar ingredients but there is also artichoke leaf and kudzu flower as well as a range of botanicals, Amino acids such as N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) to help process alcohol induced toxins and a heap of superfruit extracts including Acerola, Schisandra, Goji, and Açai berry. Vitamins B & C to top it off. It is a soy base. Not for pregnant women. Doesn’t prevent irrational behavior while drunk so use with caution. Check with your doc if you are nervous.

The ingredients include Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E (as d-Alpha Tocopherol Succinate), Thiamine (Vitamin B1) (as Thiamine HCL), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Niacin (Vitamin B3) (from Inositol Hexanicotinate), Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCL), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), Biotin, Pantothenic Acid (as d-Calcium Pantothenate), Magnesium (as Magnesium Oxide), Zinc (as Zinc Gluconate), Selenium (as methylselenocysteine), Copper (as Copper Amino Acid Chelate), Manganese (as Manganese Ascorbate), Chromium (as Chromium Polynicotinate), NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine), Taurine, L-Theanine, Kudzu Flower powder, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) extract 5:1 (seed), Rhodiola Rosea extract (root), Artichoke Leaf powder, Green Tea extract (leaf), Acerola Berry extract 4:1, Bupleurum powder (root), Schisandra extract (fruit), Acai Berry (Euterpe oleracea) extract 4:1, Goji Berry (Lycium chinense) powder (root bark), Betain HCL – quite a mouthful!

The whole idea is to take one of these every day and your liver will withstand the effects of alcohol and 3 before and after you have been on the booze. People like this one as it is not made by Big Pharma. and it works even at high altitudes. No headaches! A side effect can be a feeling of high temperature so stay cool when you go to bed, ditch the blankets and turn on the air con.

Cost effective. Follow the instructions carefully. Of all the many reviews and critiques and anecdotal tales about this Drinkwel pill, most have been positive and this pill comes up better than most. Drinking lots of water, even having water by the bedside is recommended. Made in USA.

4. Dihydromyricetin (Hovenia Dulcis Extract) Scientifically Proven to Prevent Hangovers

Dihydromyricetin

This is American made as well. Tested carefully for purity. It works by reducing the affect alcohol has on the brain’s GABA receptors and damge to the liver caused by over-indulgence at places like tailgate parties. The GABA receptors are a class of receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate central nervous system. But you knew that, didn’t you?

The ingredient listed is 300mg of pure Dihydromyricetin (DHM) per capsule. This is a flavonoid component of herbal medicines extracted from oriental raisin Tree.

The method of using is to take 1-2 capsules before consuming alcohol, and 1-2 capsules each three drinks thereafter, to reduce feelings of intoxication and/or to support healthy liver function. A couple more pills immediately before falling asleep. Drink water with each pill.

Again, this is highly reviewed and praised for its effectiveness and people claim it counteracts the effects of tailgating. Students love this one as it sounds very scientific. You need to do your own experiment with this before going crazy with booze. Set your safe level and know just how it affects your body. You still won’t be able to drink and drive as your BAC will be unchanged by this medicine or any of the others listed here. You will just feel not as drunk and your hangover will not be as severe. Drink lots of water.

Worth checking out!

5. Zaca Recovery Patch, 6 Pack (With Milk Thistle, Prickly Pear, Vitamin B’s, N-acetyl Cysteine, Vitamin C and More)

Zaca Recovery Patch

People who cannot take pills seem to like these. The ingredients are similar to the tablets but in the form of a patch.

With all the hangover cures available on the market these days, I did not think the ones using a patch would be in the least effective. How on earth, I wondered, could the extracts seep through my skin fast enough to counteract a high speed game of dizzy bat?

Ingredients are Prickly Pear, Milk Thistle, B1, Lipoic Acid, B5, B3, Taurine, Lycopene, NAC, Magnesium, Vitamin C, very similar to all the above pills in fact I can’t see much difference. Except that you don’t have to take up valuable stomach space that could be used for beer and bacon by eating a handful of pills.

Oddly enough, it works. It is a lot less stress than downing the pills before and after the drinking. Just slap on the tiny Zaca patch which is only 1” square! Leave the patch on for 24 hours for maximum effectiveness. Remember to have an occasional glass of water in between all the fun stuff and you will be fine in the morning. Good for prevention of altitude sickness.

It’s guaranteed but there has been no testing in clinics and all reviews and data are anecdotal. It is actually very, very hard to test hangover cures. I have offered my services but nobody has taken me up on that yet.

Happy tailgating!

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, beverage, Cure, Hangover, Pill, Tailgate Party

The Best Portable Bars & Beverage Accessories For Your Tailgate Party

By Rawhide

Portable Bars transform any place whether a basement or a parking lot into your own pub, man-cave, party site or tailgate party extraordinaire. I am constantly surprised at how cunning designers have been able to devise ways of using sophisticated origami techniques to make tailgate party items fit in a normal car. So many times when I pull up at my spot in the parking lot, I see a neighbor pulling out what unfolds into a complete party rig – canopy, bar, portable restroom, coolers, music source and thumpin’ speakers, games table and the BBQ. Plus food and drink to make it all a sublime experience. Why bother with a bar? Well, if you’ve ever tried to entertain a heap of friends with all the drink mixing, pouring, and cooling, that question is really a moot point. A bar makes it easy. You have a central position for the booze that can contain a keg or two, ice, bottles, red cups and so on and it’s all at a comfortable height. Bending down into the cooler a few hundred times in the day can wreck a perfectly normal spine and, if you’re feeling no pain, you’ll do even more damage without realizing it. Plus opening and closing that cooler to replenish drinks can run into the hundreds and suddenly your cooler is a warmer. You need a portable bar – so read on for a guide to the best portable bars around.

I’m a fan of the bar. Whether plain or embellished with team logos and colors, it’s a practical choice. Plus some are so good you can use them to play games on!

So here’s a selection of my favorite bars that can be transported and put up and packed away easily and I’ve also included some pro style equipment you may like to add to it for complete tailgate party ambiance.

Deluxe Portable Bar

DELUX by BEST is a Spectacular Portable Bar with Amazing Light Effects

Deluxe Portable Bar by BEST

To start off with, let’s look at the ultimate, best of the best portable bars. These are the deluxe, gold standard… but come with a big price tag to match. Hey, you get what you pay for–but, college students might want to skip below for more wallet-friendly options.

The Deluxe Portable Bars are sold by BEST and named that for a reason! These are top of the range, fully customizable, high end portable bars. Some might say: the portable bar for the connoisseur. If you are setting up a high end tailgate party or an office tailgate party, then check this out. Lots of different color options to choose from, high quality stainless steel, very easy to set up (1 minute set up time!) and they store away a lot more efficiently than the cheaper models.

Best thing is you can add a 3-D holographic light effect system (with remote control) as well as plenty of other options like an integrated sink, ice bin and extra shelves. The design also allows you to join up several Deluxe bars to create a longer section of bars. You could theoretically have infinite portable bars if you wanted!

These are fine both indoors and outdoors as they are rust resistant stainless steel. The legs are adjustable so you can work on uneven surfaces and the interior lights can be dimmed for better working conditions.

Make no mistake: this is a top of the line portable bar–definitely amongst the best portable bars you’ll find. If you homegate a lot then you’ll want to invest in one of these. Definitely portable enough for tailgate parties but only if you know it won’t get stolen or damaged. Insurance is your friend!

Best of Times Patio Bar and Tailgating Center Deluxe Package

Best of Times Patio Bar & Tailgating Center

This Ultimate Tailgating/Homegating centerpiece includes steel frame, 3 levels of shelving, umbrella, drop in food-grade cooler, 4 padded bar stools, and a deluxe travel bag set with wheels. The whole kit and caboodle sets up in minutes without any tools. Considered by many to be one of the best portable bars for tailgating when you weigh up size, portability and price.

The embellishment with your team logo is a cinch. Just choose your team in the checking out process. One team selection is included in the price but you can select and pay for as many others as you need to cover all the teams and conferences or all your family’s faves and switch them on the day. There are over a hundred to choose from! The skirt and all the fabric are 500D Polyester, water resistant and UV protected. Even though extremely lightweight (around 25 pounds), it is quite tough and well made and you really have to see it to believe how compact it is when folded away. That’s important.

The bar area is OK for some tailgate party games such as flip cup.

You can also buy each of the components as separate purchases in case you need, say, more bar stools.

Dimensions: 41 x 63 x 44 inches

GoPong Portable High Top Party Bar, Includes 3 Front Skirts and Carrying Case

GoPong Portable High Top Party Bar

The GoBar is a lightweight, easy to erect high-top party bar with three interchangeable front skirts perfect for tailgaters, especially if you follow a heap of different sports. In fact you can order skirts for different teams so you can cover all the options, even a Tiki skirt if that’s your preferred theme. Another contender for one of the best portable bars for tailgate parties.

Sturdily built of high-strength aluminum, the GoBar’s counter top is made from waterproof MDF, there’s a shelf for storage in the back, for holding liquor, bar glasses, extra bags of chips and so on. You can also personalize the top surface with tailgate party appropriate team logos. Taking it down at the end of the day? Easy as pie. GoBar folds up and fits inside a handy carrying case that measures 39 by 15 by 3 inches (W x H x D).

Holds up to 25 pounds on the bar surface and another 25 pounds on the storage shelf. The table weighs 14 pounds by itself.

In summary, this is a lightweight item, slipping open somewhat like a small card-table, but treat it well, store it out of moisture and it will last for years. Nice that there are three Velcro-attachable skirts included for it so that you can change them for different occasions and you can buy optional extras in team colors.

Dimensions: 15 x 39 x 36 inches (Open)

Red Cup Pong Portable Bar Table – Two Skirts and Carrying Case Included

Red Cup Pong Portable Bar Table

This eminently portable bar table from Red Cup Pong is easy to set up for any tailgate party. It comes with both a green or black skirt and has a convenient storage bag so you can slip it into the tailgate party kit and bring it even in a smallish vehicle. The carry case has a wide shoulder strap which means you still have hands free to wheel the cooler or carry other gear.

The lower shelf has a center brace so that is the sweet spot to place any heavy items. The top is big enough to play flip cup or other tabletop drinking games.

Super easy to set up. It is the perfect height for a bar, sturdy enough to be used outdoors on grass and elegant enough looking to be used indoors yet can be rugged enough to look good in a man-cave. Tailgaters’ perfection: easily one of the best portable bars around when you’re factoring in price.

Dimensions: 40″ Tall and Surface 16″x40″

Cambro BAR540401 Cambar Portable Bar

Cambar Portable Bar

OK, so this one really only suits you if you have a Ram truck or something like it and some inactive bucks sitting around waiting for a purpose, but wow, it really has all the features you need in a bar… but definitely not one of the best portable bars for those with smaller vehicles. Cambro are restaurant suppliers so this is pretty pro. Has a draining ice sink, various racks and a speed rail. Strong wheels. Nothing would beat this say, as equipment in the man-cave and rolling right on out to the BBQ region of your mansion. Naturally, if you are the kind of guy who has a regular space in the parking lot for tailgating, you and your buddies may want to chip in and buy this as a co-operative salute to the importance of the bar ambiance and make it a shared centerpiece. Faultless. It is already assembled. It has shelves for various kinds of bottles and a recessed work area for making and serving drinks. Tough enough to support a kegerator or two. Its high density, double wall polyethylene construction is durable and easy to clean.

Overall Dimensions:
Length: 54″ x Width: 24 7/8″ x Height: 46 1/8″

Margarita/Cocktail Glass Rimmer

Shots and Margaritas play a big part in many tailgate parties and if you like to make even the red cup look the part, then get one of these nifty gadgets for the official salting of the beverage container rim. It is a three-compartment glass rimmer that makes the perfect salt or sugar-rimmed container simple with a convenient system. Clearly labeled trays hold your salt and sugar (or whatever else you may like to attach to the rim) and there’s even a sponge for water to make the grains stick! Easy to use, simple to store, and quick to clean, it folds for easy storage and accommodates containers up to 5.5 inches in diameter.

13 Piece Professional Bar Set

13 Piece Bartender Kit

Most people won’t be doing too much drinks mixing in the parking lot at the tailgate party. But I do have buddies who swear by the perfectly mixed drinks from their fully-equipped bar and getting all the right tools for your home bar can be a daunting challenge. This smart-looking pro-bartender mixing set includes everything you need to re-enact the Tom Cruise scene from ‘Cocktail’ and impress your guests. It includes: 1 Cocktail Shaker (28 oz.), 1 Short Shaker (15oz.), 1 Strainer (4 prong), 1 “Signature Series Bottles-Up” Speed Opener, 6 Plastic Pour Spouts, 1 Corkscrew, 1 11″ Red Knob Bar Spoon, 1 Jigger. You provide the recipes!

The best thing is that it is so inexpensive that you can throw it in your kit and if anything breaks, replace it at very little cost. Great gift for your drinking buddies.

The Complete Bartender’s Guide: Expert Advice on Equipment, Bar Craft, Cocktails and the World of Alcoholic Drinks

The Complete Bartender’s Guide

This is a great guide to mixology with a heap you need to know. Well, who is to say that you are not going to get all fancy schmancy out there at the parking lot tailgate party?

10,000 Drinks: How to Turn Your Basement Into the Most Happening Bar in Town!

This recipe book takes the drink mixing business to a new and dangerous level, just what is required. If you don’t use it for the tailgate party, give it to your nephew as part of his College orientation package. Well, heck, he may as well get the art right first time!

Buffalo Bills NFL Rally Towel 15×18 Sports Fan Football Hand Kitchen Bar Rag Officially Licensed NFL Merchandise

Buffalo Bills NFL Rally Towel

100% absorbent cotton, this bar towel in your team colors (choose your eam at checkout) is essential. Forget the paper towel, these will pay for themselves in no time. Buy a few for mop-ups and spilled drink absorbing or just flick ‘em at the opposing team fans.

Dimensions: 15″ x 18″

Trudeau Double Wall Reusable Red Party Cups

Trudeau 16-OunceDouble Wall Reusable Red Party Cup

OK, so we all love the Solo red cups but it’s time we stopped throwing our our bar-and-party-ware. The Double Wall Reusable Red Party Cup features durable, double-walled insulation, keeps drinks cold and is equally good for hot drinks (won’t burn your hand). The Reusable Red Party Cup is similar in look, but not feel, to the iconic disposable red cup. It is a 16 oz. cup, completely reusable, sturdy, chip-resistant and has a thicker body and smooth, comfortable drinking lip for easy sipping. Goes in the dishwasher up the top. Eventually pays for itself in replacing the disposables but you may need to educate your guests not to throw them in the trash.

The Manufacturer says: “The Reusable Red Party Cup is made entirely in the USA, where sustainability is no longer a trend, but a lifestyle. There’s no better way to decrease your impact on the earth than by replacing an old habit with an environmentally responsible one. That’s what makes this red cup the new life of the party! With the Reusable Red Party Cup by Trudeau, you can avoid purchasing and destroying disposable cups over and over again…”.

You can play flip cup with these though you may need to practice as they are heavier.

Global Decor 170 Rotating 4 Bottle 1-1/2-Ounce Drink Dispenser

Global Decor 170 Rotating Drink Dispenser

Wow! How impressed would your guests be if you put one of these amazing dispensers on the bar next to the kegorator? It’s a really pro way to serve spirits from 1 liter bottles and looks stunning. Make your tailgate party games involving shots a real cinch with this system which allows you to pump out the shots accurately (1.5 oz shots) and fast. Hey I am thinking ONE of these isn’t enough for some tailgate parties I have attended and maybe three would be better equipped to keep up with the drinking. The base is quite heavy so that the dispenser is stable (doesn’t fall over).

So there you go – one more for the bulging wish-list – the fab BarTender from Global Décor with rotating 4 Bottle 1-1/2 Oz. Drink Dispenser which I am already earmarking for tequila, bourbon, vodka and rum.

In putting this list together I was surprised at how few options there are available. It is a niche ready to tap and can add heaps to any tailgate party on the road. Enjoy the party and happy tailgating!

Filed Under: Beverages Tagged With: Bar, beverage, Portable Bars, Tailgate Party

Essential Beer Kegerator Accessories – The Big List

By Rawhide

Everybody knows that beer – the chilling of, the serving of and the serving of again and … make that ‘again’ – is THE most important component of a successful tailgate party. Oh, along with bacon flavored food but that’s another story which we address elsewhere.

Back to the beer and not a moment too soon. The investment in a fine kegerator will save you money. Bulk liquid is better than any investment in a pile of waste – beer bottles and cans which end up in the trash can.

Here’s a list of the essential beer kegerator accessories for those who have invested in a kegerator or want to convert your fridge to one. This is how you will get the most out of your useful gadgets. I figured it just may be helpful for you to have this list here all together as it will save you searching for them. When last I looked, there was no ‘Kegerators Are Us’ chain of stores so please regard this as your personal shopping list and resource which I will update over the months. The actual usage of individual items will depend on your initial purchase, and the list is in no particular order of priority. Again, this depends on your own needs.

HINT: If you are purchasing items which may need replacing on a regular basis, buy multiples up front and avoid costly shipping costs.

HINT: Keep a file of assembly instruction books, company contacts for service.

1. Kegco Ultimate Door Mount Kegerator 2 Tap Conversion Kit w/ 5 lbs Tank – EBUCK2-5T

Kegco Ultimate Door Mount Kegerator 2 Tap Conversion Kit

This is what is says: ULTIMATE! Every part you require for creating your own kegerator is in this awesome kit. Even stainless steel drip trays for that professional bar feel. If you have a small generator, a trailer hitch or you drive a Silverado, you can transport your mega-kego to the parking lot and your friends will gather round like yellow-jacket wasps to an open can of Sprite. Attach all this stuff to a small refrigerator (and these are so cheap at the moment) and your beer serving skills will be ramped up to Pro level. What’s not to love about a continuous supply of draft beer? You might never make it into the stadium, but hey, tailgating isn ‘t really about the game, and with a TV hooked up to the generator, a couple of comfy chairs and food that contains bacon, all’s right with the world. Kegco is numero uno in the keg design and building field so you can bet on good after sales service and advice. Full installation instructions are included so all you have to supply is the BEER and getting that tailgate party happening!

2. Clamp for Regular Auto-Siphon

CLAMP for Regular Auto-Siphon

This clip or clamp attaches to a fermenting bucket or carboy to hold a regular Auto-Siphon in place. If you are a home-brewer, you will definitely need this. It will suit a specific size of auto siphon so when you get to this site, be sure you select the one that gives the most accurate, air-free result. If air escapes from the tubing because of a loose fit, you won’t get that siphon happening so check this from the supplier before finalizing your payment and order. See later note on Keg Lube. It may be all you need for a tight seal.

3. Ball Lock Becker Home Brew Keg Tap MFL Coupler Set

Ball Lock Becker Home Brew Keg Tap MFL Coupler Set

NOTE: Cornelius (‘Corny’) kegs come in two different styles, one being the pin lock the other is a ball lock. The terms ‘pin lock’ and ‘ball lock’ both refer to the way the quick disconnects attach to the Cornelius keg. Here’s a video that explains the difference.

Kegs can be used for home-brew or you can fill them with draft beer or soda. It’s up to you.

This set is not the most upmarket in the range but has all the parts you need to ensure an airtight fit. It features a ball lock system, gas in and out and beer out.

Beer out connection features 1/4″ MFL fitting with 1/4″ Flare Fitting to fit 3/16″ ID Beer Line.

Gas in connection features 1/4″ MFL filling with 5/16″ Flare Fitting to fit 5/16″ ID Air Line. The ¼” MFL fittings allow you to remove your gas/beer lines from the coupler connector easily.

HINT: Be sure that you do not rush the installation and avoid cross-threading screw parts.

Following is a list of bits and bobs you may require over the years. Where appropriate I will make a note, but in general, take them at face value and do your research as to the exact sizes and specifications of the kegerator you use. Things to watch are interior and exterior hose sizes.

4. Pair Ball Lock Disconnects for Corny Kegs 3 Gas 3 Liquid

Again, be careful when you do the connection. These are not heavy duty (made in China) but cheap and OK for those of us who take the care not to cross thread or force the linkage. Some units may require a gasket to prevent any gas leakage. This seems to be a matter of trial and error somewhat. It’s a good idea to have a universal gasket collection on hand just in case.

5. Ball Style Quick Disconnect – Gas

Ball Style Quick Disconnect – Gas

Ball Style Quick Disconnects are used for most Cornelius, (Corny) Pepsi and 7-UP tanks and simply slide over the nipple and connect with a clamp over the hose (just like installing the home sprinkler system. Note to self: must finish that one day. Very easy assembly. This is the Gas end.

6. Ball Style Quick Disconnect – Liquid

Ball Lock Quick Disconnect

Alternative to the above: here is the liquid end and is compatible with Pepsi kegs as well as those tailgate party staples of beer kegs in various formats. Your beer and air line simply slide over the nipple, then use a screw clamp to tighten around the hose. This one is used for liquid. In stock and ready to ship. Features: Ball style. Used for liquid. Specs: Barb outlet fits 3/16″ inside diameter draft hose.

7. B3-23A 20 Plate Beer Wort Chiller Garden Hose x 1/2″ Male NPT

B3-23A 20 Plate Beer Wort Chiller Garden Hose x 1/2″ Male NPT

For home brew kegs:

NOTE

Wort is the sweet infusion of ground malt or other grain before fermentation, used to produce beer and distilled malt liquors.

Wort Chillers are an essential beer-making tool used to cool boiling wort down to a temperature at which you can safely add beer yeast, around 60-80F. However, once the cooling wort reaches temperatures of 130F and cooler there are some bacteria and wild yeast that can survive.

While this equipment relates to home-brew it can equally relate to chilling your keg brew superfast and keeping it bacteria free.

The chiller connects to garden hose width of tubing and runs with a recommended Max Water Flow Rate of eight gallons per minute designed to be effective at a temperature -195°C to +220°C (-319°F to 430°F). This is a pretty essential stage of the brewing process so for those of you whose keg only ever will contain your own brand of ‘Panther Piss’ look no further as this is the cream of the crop.

8. Shank for Draft Beer System: 3-inch

Shank for Draft Beer System

NOTE:

You use the steel shank to connect your draft beer faucet to the beer line jumper. It is required when using a kegerator refrigerator conversion kit. Depending on the height, you may need a longer shank. These are easily available from 3 inches to 14 inches. Diameter is 7/8 inch. (Outside measurement). Just follow the links.

This model is chromed brass and made to a budget but is very satisfactory. If you are looking to go upmarket or it is for professional use, choose stainless steel instead.

Again, follow the seller links to your exact size. Kegerator accessory rule: Measure three times and order once!

9. Draft Warehouse Clear 5-Feet of 3/16-Inch Id Beer Line with Hexnut Assembly On One End

Draft Warehouse Clear 5-Feet of 3/16-Inch Id Beer Line

NOTE: Up to you but, in time, lines do need to be kept hygienic and my preference is to have a few of these standard sized assemblies on hand and switch them out. Dirty hoses will make the beer foam too much. Hoses are just way too difficult to sterilize. Alternatively, you can soak them in baby bottle sterilizer mix but that has its risks and you need to rinse and rinse till the inside of the hose is 100% inert. So when they get gunky, it’s time to biff them out and replace.

Comes standard with 5′ of 3/16″ clear beer tubing and Includes all components required to make a neer or air line connection: ie. hex nut, washer ,tail piece and 5 feet of hose. Be sure to check the sizes of your lines and match with these exactly. If in doubt, fire of a question to the supplier. I have even sent pics from my iPhone. You just don’t want to get it wrong.

10. Portable Keg Dispensing System – W/co2 Charger & 3 Cartridges, Picnic Tap, Pin Lock

Portable Keg Dispensing System

Here is a neat kit that contains all you need to get that beer-a-chilling and on the way to the tailgate party.

Contents are:

Corny CO2 Charger

3 Co2 16g Premium Cartridges

Pin Lock connections (note that on the picture it shows ball lock connectors but these are now not made for this kit).

Squeeze Faucet Picnic Tap (AKA Tailgate Party Tap!)

NOTE: A 5 gallon keg may need 2 cartridges depending on the beverage so maybe buy some spares.

You can also buy the components separately.

10. Kegco O-Ring Gasket Set for Cornelius Home Brew Keg

Gaskets are something I like to keep on hand so check these out – they will be invaluable to prevent gas or liquid leaks.

12. Cornelius Keg CO2 Charger

Cornelius Keg CO2 Charger

Having a few of these as a backup is supposed to be a good idea. They are not expensive and it’s better than being caught with your pants down (metaphorically) … though you can be caught like that at some tailgate parties so they tell me. It is small – pocket sized, made of high quality nylon and brass but doesn’t really review well. It is no substitute for a regulator and the latter is a better investment. However, it is handy for portability especially in a parking lot where tailgate parties need to be transported as light as possible. You need a few of these (suggest 2 – 5) to pump 5 gallons of beer perfectly.

A suggestion is to use the Keg Lube to create a tight seal.

13. Keg Lube

Keg Lube

This lubricates gaskets and ensures a tight seal, no leaks! It is food grade as long as you replace the lid and also use with a Q-tip rather than your finger. It is essential to keep a keg clean!

Note that a lot of criticisms of taps, cartridges and hoses relates to the leakiness. Keg Lube, super cheap, is your best tool against the frustration of leaks and shonky seals.

14. Draft Warehouse Beer Faucet and 4 inch Shank Kit with Black Handle

Draft Warehouse Beer Faucet and 4-Inch Shank Kit with Black Handle

The interesting thing about this is that people seem to use them to adapt all kinds of things to contain drinks. Watermelons, Pumpkins, refrigerators, exercise balls … if you’ve done that, please send us the pictures!

Anyway, this is the part that gives you the ability to tap whatever liquid you put in there. Pumpkin beer ….yummmm. Nah. Not so much.

Chrome plated brass keeps the costs more realistic. Stainless steel is better if you are able to afford it and if you will be really using this heaps.

However, a cheaper version is a pretty acceptable rig for tailgate party dudes.

NOTE:

I know I hammer this a lot but keep it clean! Spray off all the beer before going home. When you get home, take it apart and soak briefly in a food grade bleach solution (1/2 teaspoon to quart of water). Rinse and air dry. Bar quality.

15. The Carbonater

http://www.amazon.com/LiquidBread-The-Carbonater/dp/B0064OKADS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394173317&sr=8-1&keywords=the+carbonator

This handy device is a kind of screw cap for standard plastic soda bottles that allows you to enjoy fresh draft homebrew anywhere. All you do is fill a plastic 2-liter soda bottle with beer and put the Carbonator cap on. Squeeze out the excess air and inject CO2 into the bottle to keep your beer carbonated and fresh. May also be used to force carbonate any beverage. You need a few accessories for the process: The carbonater needs to be connected to a tube with a snap fitting (easily available online) and then connect this to a CO2 regulator which is then connected to a C02 tank from your kegerator.

16. Keg Conversion Kit for Refrigerator (Convert a Standard Refrigerator to a Kegerator)

Keg Conversion Kit for Refrigerator (Convert a Standard Refrigerator to a Kegerator)

So you’ve picked up a neat little refrigerator from the hard trash collection by the kerb. Yaaaaaay. Here’s a great kit that can convert it into a kegerator. It would be great for that basement fridge as you set up the man-cave and plan the home-gate party when the weather is too inclement for tailgating.

This kit easily converts an old refrigerator to a home draft beer dispenser and includes all the hardware you need to be pouring cold draft beer anytime you feel the need. Your friends will suddenly want to come around and see you. Full instructions are included for quick and easy installation. Parts included with kit: 5 feet of beer line with hex nuts, complete beer shank, chrome faucet, Black faucet knob, 5 feet of air line with clamps, double gauge CO2 regulator, faucet brush, faucet wrench, and an American Sankey keg coupler (commonly referred to as the tap). Add to this a pot of keg lube (see above) and you’ll be cooking with gas. No, my mistake, dispensing perfect beer with gas.

NOTE:

For a door mounted kit, see:

17. Kegco Deluxe Door Mount Kegerator Conversion Kit with 5 lb. Co2 Tank EBDCK-5T

Kegco Deluxe Door Mount Kegerator Conversion Kit

18. Double Tap Stainless Steel Draft Beer Kegerator Tower – 3″ Diameter

Double Tap Stainless Steel Draft Beer Kegerator Tower

This is a stainless steel double tap vertical tower for dispensing draft beer. You can play barman at the tailgate party in a very professional way dispensing beers from this amazing system. The taps are chrome plated brass, the tower Stainless Steel and it all looks very pro standing 12 inches plus the height of the taps. Having two lines gives you the freedom to serve two styles of beer. A nice dark Léon from Mexico and a sweet, pale beer from say, Minnesota, Summit Extra Pale Ale. Think about personalizing your taps by adding team themed ones and putting the plain ones on eBay…. Take it on the road if you have access to power or install it in the man cave.

NOTE: There are many beer towers of different standards and specifications available.

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: Accessories, Beer, beverage, Kegerator, Tailgate Party

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