Choose the packaging path that fits your beer, equipment, timing, and serving plan.
Bottling and kegging both work well, but they solve different problems. Bottle conditioning is simple and portable, while kegging gives faster serving and more control over carbonation and draft presentation.
Bottling needs cleaning, filling, capping, and conditioning time. Kegging needs draft gear, CO2, and line balance, but can make packaging day faster once the system is set up.
Bottle conditioning relies on priming sugar and yeast activity. Kegging lets you set pressure, temperature, and carbonation target more directly.
Use the priming sugar calculator for bottle conditioning and the keg carbonation calculator for force carbonation. Keep ABV and final gravity checks nearby before packaging.
For a 5 gallon pale ale needed for a party in two weeks, kegging may be easier if draft gear is ready. For a mixed case to share over time, bottling with a moderate carbonation target may fit better.
Not always. Kegging is convenient for draft serving, while bottling is cheaper to start and easier to share.
Yes. You can prime a keg, but many brewers force carbonate with CO2 for more control.
Kegging is often faster once equipment is ready. Bottle conditioning usually needs extra time for yeast to carbonate the beer.
Yes. Use the priming sugar calculator for bottles and the keg carbonation calculator for draft pressure.
Use the bottling or kegging calculator that matches your packaging plan.
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