TrailKeg Pressurized Beer Growler: Freshness and Durability Unpacked
If you’re a craft beer aficionado like me, you know that the perfect pour can make or break your experience. Enter the Trail Keg, a game-changer in the world of portable beer dispensing.
I’ve had the pleasure of extensively testing this product, and let me tell you, it’s not just another growler. It’s an entire ecosystem designed to elevate your beer-drinking experience, whether you’re at home or out in the wilderness.
The stainless steel chrome tap of this double walled growler makes it easy for you to pour your drinks wherever you are. While its dual stage CO2 regulator provides smooth, consistent pressure. Both tap and regulator can be removed for ease of transportation and reconnected.
The Trail Keg: Elevate Your Craft Beer Experience
Key Features and Real-World Applications
- Pressurized Lid & Gas Post: The pressurized lid ensures that your beer stays perfectly carbonated from the first pour to the last. The gas post on the side allows for easy connection to the regulator. I’ve found this feature invaluable when transporting my favorite brews to a friend’s BBQ—no more flat beer!
- Chrome Tap & Quick Disconnect: The spring-loaded chrome tap snaps back into place, ensuring zero wastage. The quick disconnect feature is a godsend. It’s double-sealing, meaning no leaks, whether you’re connecting or disconnecting.
- Regulator & PSI Gauge: The regulator is straightforward to use, with a knob to adjust the pressure and a gauge that reads up to 30 PSI. I usually set it around 10 PSI for most beers, but you can go up to 20 PSI for higher carbonation levels.
- CO2 Cartridge System: The CO2 cartridge system is a nifty feature for those who want to get into the nitty-gritty of forced carbonation. I’ve used it to carbonate homemade lemonade, and the results were spectacular.
- Cleaning & Maintenance: Cleaning is a breeze. Just run hot water through the tap, lid, and dip tube for about 30-60 seconds, and you’re good to go. No need for soaps or detergents that could leave a residue.
Problems Solved & Unique Uses
The Flat Beer Dilemma
One of the most frustrating experiences for any craft beer enthusiast is opening a growler only to find that the beer has gone flat. The Trail Keg’s pressurized growler has effectively solved this problem for me.
With its adjustable PSI settings, I can maintain the perfect carbonation level for different types of beers. This feature is especially useful when I’m transporting my favorite brews for an outdoor adventure or a gathering.
The beer tastes just as fresh and effervescent as it did when it was poured at the brewery.
Versatility in Beverage Options
While the Trail Keg is designed primarily for beer, its forced carbonation feature has opened up a world of possibilities. I’ve used it to carbonate homemade beverages like lemonade and even iced tea.
The process is simple: set the regulator to its maximum pressure, shake the Trail Keg for about 20-30 seconds, and voila! You have a carbonated drink that’s ready to serve. This feature has been a hit at family gatherings and picnics, offering a unique twist to traditional beverages.
Homebrewing Advantages
As a homebrewer, I’ve found the Trail Keg to be an invaluable tool for secondary fermentation. After the primary fermentation process, I can transfer my brew directly into the Trail Keg and let it undergo secondary fermentation, making small batches and brewing experiments fun again.
This not only saves space but also reduces the risk of contamination, as the beer isn’t exposed to external elements. Once the secondary fermentation is complete, the beer is ready to be dispensed directly from the Trail Keg, eliminating the need for additional bottling or kegging steps.
Gas Adapter for Custom Setups
For those who already have a more elaborate gas system, perhaps for homebrewing, the Trail Keg offers a gas adapter. This allows you to connect the Trail Keg to your existing regulator and gas supply.
I’ve found this to be a cost-effective way to utilize my existing equipment, saving me the expense and hassle of using disposable CO2 cartridges.
The Restrictor: Control Your Pour
The Trail Keg comes with a dip tube that has a removable restrictor at the end. This small but crucial component allows you to control the flow of your beer, which is particularly useful for highly carbonated brews. By slowing down the flow, you can prevent excessive foaming, ensuring that you get the perfect pour every time.
This growler has solved several real-world problems for me, from maintaining the quality of my craft beers to offering versatility in beverage options. Its unique features like forced carbonation and secondary fermentation capabilities have also allowed me to experiment and elevate my homebrewing game.
It’s not just a growler; it’s a versatile tool that enhances the entire craft beer experience.
Competitive Edge
Compared to its competitors, the Trail Keg offers a more comprehensive package. The forced carbonation feature and the option for secondary fermentation are unique selling points.
Plus, the build quality is robust, ensuring longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Trail Keg Maintain Carbonation Levels Over Time?
The Trail Keg utilizes a pressurized system that allows you to adjust the PSI settings via a regulator. This ensures that your beer remains perfectly carbonated from the first pour to the last.
The adjustable settings are especially useful for maintaining the quality of different types of beers, whether they require low or high carbonation.
Can the Trail Keg Be Used for Beverages Other Than Beer?
Absolutely, the Trail Keg’s forced carbonation feature makes it versatile enough to carbonate other beverages like lemonade or iced tea.
By setting the regulator to its maximum pressure and shaking the Trail Keg for about 20-30 seconds, you can enjoy carbonated non-alcoholic beverages as well. This feature is particularly popular at family gatherings and outdoor events.
Is the Trail Keg Suitable for Homebrewing?
Yes, the Trail Keg is an excellent tool for homebrewers. It offers the capability for secondary fermentation directly within the keg.
This eliminates the need for additional bottling or kegging steps and reduces the risk of contamination. You can also connect the Trail Keg to your existing gas system using a gas adapter, allowing for more customized setups.
How Easy Is It to Clean and Maintain the Trail Keg?
Cleaning the Trail Keg is straightforward. You can run hot water through the tap, lid, and dip tube for about 30-60 seconds to flush them out thoroughly.
It’s advisable to avoid using soaps or detergents, as they can leave a residue that may affect the taste of your next fill. The components can then be set aside to air dry, making the Trail Keg ready for its next use.
What Makes the Trail Keg Stand Out from Its Competitors?
The Trail Keg offers a comprehensive set of features that give it an edge over its competitors.
From its robust pressurized system to its forced carbonation feature and secondary fermentation capabilities, it provides a versatile and complete package for craft beer enthusiasts and homebrewers alike. The build quality is also robust, ensuring that the product will last for a long time.
Final Thoughts
The Trail Keg is not just a product; it’s an experience. It’s versatile, easy to use, and solves real-world problems that beer enthusiasts face. If you’re serious about your craft beer, this is a must-have addition to your arsenal.
So, go ahead and elevate your craft beer experience. Cheers!
Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy. Self proclaimed coffee addict who’s been home brewing beer (among other things) for 25+ yrs. Also an aspiring pro-brewer and micro-brewery owner!
