How To Tap Beer

Having all the beer a keg provides is great, but if you don't know how to tap a beer keg, it's worthless. If tapped improperly, you may find yourself covered in beer, and hosting a bunch of upset buddies. Beer kegs are also great to keep for personal use. The beer will stay good as long as the keg is cold, and you can cool off with an ice cold draft beer any time. In order to tap a beer keg, you will need:

• Tap (Import and domestic taps are different, so make sure you get the right tap when you buy the keg)
• Two 20 Pound Bags of Ice)
• Plastic Tub ( or anything you can fit the keg with ice around it)
• Cups

1. Decide where you want the beer keg, and put the tub there. Kegs are very heavy, so its best to have a clear path to the spot. If you're having a party, make sure the keg is in an area where people can access it easily. People are attracted to beer kegs, so you may find a crowd of people hanging around it.
2. Get a buddy and put the keg in the tub. Some beer delivery services require their delivery dudes to be able to move kegs themselves. As for a normal person, it's a two man job. Don't try to be a hero. Your back will regret it.
3. Place the ice around the keg and on top. Don't be shy with the ice. Dump it right on top.
4. Attach the tap to the keg.  Line up the metal tabs on the bottom of the tap with the slots on keg. Push down on the tap and twist it in a clockwise motion. Once you've turned it until it stops, pull on the handle and press it down until it locks in.
5. Pour off some of the initial beer. The beer keg might be foamy at first. Keep pouring until liquid beer comes out. The amount of foam you'll have is directly related to the way the beer keg is transported. The less bangs and bumps, the less foam.
6. Pass out the cups and get drinking! Filling pitchers is an easier way to spread the beer around, and cuts back on the traffic to the keg.
7. Drink Responsibly. People will drink more when kegs are involved. Keep an eye on your guests and make sure no one does anything stupid.