Hambledon Bard or King Keg

[andyryan218]

Probably been discussed before and i'm not convinced this is the right forum to discuss this topic, but, I wanted to get the opinion of the kit brewer as to which barrel is in your opinion the better of the two. Icurrently have a king keg which i have used once. This was fine until i poured my first pint, after which it tended to drip quite a lot I am tempted to buy the beer spher with the float as an extra??

Opinions Please

Only one week left in the gulf till i start a Admirals reserve. Then I am definately doing a Brupaks BC Old Ale

Andy

[popric]

Try buying a new tap first, the cheaper option?

[Hoppopotamus]

I had the same problem. I even ended up throwing away my first batch of homebrew because my King Keg leaked so much that I had to unscrew the lid, thus releasing the pressure and eventually causing the beer to spoil.

The problem was completely solved by buying a new tap as popric suggests.

However I always pressurise my barrel using a CO2 cartridge now during the cleaning process so that I can be sure that there are no leaks before filling it with my precious beer.

[andyryan218]

I'm gonna get a new one for the KK. What i meant is should i get another KK Top Tap or are ther better ones available??

Cheers

[andyryan218]

Hoppo, which type of tap did you buy to replace the old one??

[StevieR]

I have 2 King Keg Top Taps, but recently bought a Hambledon Bard beer sphere (with additional float). Although the beer sphere has a bottom tap, using the float gives you the advantage of a top tap system with the exception of the clearance for the glass. To get round this I simply stand mine on a shelf.

The advantage of the Hambledon Bard is price...£28 vs KKTT @ £40.

Even with the additional float cost of £4 that saved £8 i.e another kit !!

If I was to buy another one I think I would opt for the Hambledon Bard.

[popric]

I use kegs for draught beer and bottles for lager. I've had my 2 king kegs
top taps for a year and I'm rather pleased with them. They are a big improvement on the old pressure barrels and so much easier to clean. I think that on reflection I would rather have the bottom tap but theres not much in it. Looking at the pictures of the HB keg there doesn't appear to be a lot of difference and the rotokeg has a drip tray on the side of the barrell. I suppose the way to go is the Corni keg way and there are loads of threads on here extolling thier virtues.

[Buzz]

I have a Beersphere and 2 HB 4" neck bottom tap pressure barrels. I'd say the 4" barrels are better value. The float system isn't really necessary IMO and I'd not buy another beersphere for that reason.

I have had problems with leaky taps on both - a new tap always sorts out the problem and there not expensive. That said, I've heard these taps are a vast improvement: http://www.leylandhomebrew.com/item2137.htm

More expensive but I'm going to upgrade to one next time I order some more grain and see how it goes. I believe it's the same tap in the picture here: http://www.leylandhomebrew.com/item1925.htm

Should fit HB and KK barrels.

Have fun

[HantsGaz]

Has anyone actually used these taps on a barrel? They look the part and if they are robust and provide a better flow then it might be worth an investment....

[andyryan218]

I have took the plunge!! I have just ordered one from LeylandHomeBrew. I e-mailed to double check the compatibility, they assured me they will fit and also supply washers etc to ensure a good seal.

[HantsGaz]

Great - look forward to reading your review...

[andyjc]

Researched this a bit in Equipment section, and found that this was a better tap than the one provided with the KK TT in that it pours a better pint.