Can you buy cider in kegs?

You can buy cider kegs from many cider makers, some specialist shops and drinks wholesalers, usually to order for parties and events. Some makers also sell mini-kegs and bag-in-box cider. In the UK, the lower draught duty rate applies only to cider under 8.5% ABV in containers of 20 litres or more that connect to a pump or gas tap.

Updated 2026-10-03

Key facts

Who sells them. Cider makers, some specialist shops and drinks wholesalers sell kegs, usually to order for parties, weddings and events. Ask the maker which keg type and tap fitting they use.
UK draught rate. The reduced draught rate of Alcohol Duty applies to products under 8.5% ABV in containers that hold 20 litres or more and connect to a pump system or a gas pressurised drinks tap. [1]
Current UK draught rates. Still cider from 3.5% to under 8.5%: £8.95 per litre of pure alcohol; sparkling cider over 5.5%: £19.45. [1]

What sizes of keg can I buy?

Full-size kegs (20 litres or more). The usual size for bars and big events, and the only size that qualifies for UK draught relief. [1]
Mini-kegs. Smaller kegs of a few litres for home parties; they are taxed at the full rate in the UK because they are under 20 litres. [1]
Bag-in-box. Common for still farm cider, which is poured without gas; see the glossary entry for still cider.
US keg sizes. In the US, keg sizes are usually named after the fractional barrel sizes used for beer kegs. Federal rules define a barrel as "the quantity equal to 31 U.S. gallons" [2] and list "whole barrels, halves, thirds, quarters, sixths, and eighths" as the authorized fractions. [3] A half barrel is 15.5 US gallons (about 58.7 litres) and a sixth barrel about 5.2 gallons (about 19.6 litres).

What should I ask before buying a keg?

Tap and gas. Does the keg need a pump or a gas tap, and can you hire one?
Still or sparkling. A carbonated keg cider pours with some foam; see should cider have a head.
Strength. In the UK, cider must be under 8.5% ABV to count as cider at all; see what counts as cider in the UK.
Return and deposit. Many makers charge a deposit on kegs.

Find it on Cider Radar

All UK cider makers: 275 makers (as of 2026-10-02). Check each maker's website for kegs and event orders.
Guide: buying from makers · Cider shops
You can order directly from the maker in Cider Radar (iOS, Android and web).
Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android

Dates in this answer were checked on 3 October 2026 and are due for review by February 2027.

Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.

Questions

Can I fill bottles from a cider keg?

In the UK, decanting from a keg into bottles counts as repackaging, which only approved producers or excise warehousekeepers may do, and only when full-rate duty has been paid. [1] Serving a glass from the keg is not repackaging.

Is keg cider still or sparkling?

Both exist. Keg cider is usually served carbonated through a gas tap, while traditional farm cider often comes still in a bag-in-box or barrel. The glossary entries for still and sparkling explain the terms.

Sources

Check if you can pay less Alcohol Duty on draught alcoholic products — HM Revenue & Customs (GOV.UK)
27 CFR 25.11: Meaning of terms (barrel) — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)
27 CFR 25.156: Determination of tax on keg beer — Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)