Instructions

1. Store the keg in an upright position.

2. Maintain the proper temperature for serving the beer. Beer should be stored at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll probably need either a beer fridge or kegerator or a large drum or trash can filled with ice. Or, if it's around 40 degrees outside, place the keg on your porch or deck.

3. Allow the beer to settle for at least an hour before serving once you have put it on ice. This will allow any excess carbonation created during transport to dissipate.

4. Remember that a keg has a limited shelf life. Generally speaking, the beer will stay fresh for three to four months if it has been pasteurized, but only about a month if not. This is contingent on the beer temperature being properly maintained and the type of pump used to tap the keg.

5. If you are planning to store beer in a keg for continued use, employ a CO2 pump rather than a "party pump". This will prolong the life of the beer and keep it tasting fresh.