Keg Coupler Guide: Which Coupler Do You Need?
Not every keg taps the same way. The coupler is the fitting that connects your tap or pump to the keg, and the type you need depends on the brewery, not the beer style. Mike's Liquors stocks all five common coupler systems — rent one for $25 (with a $50 refundable deposit, returned when you bring it back) or buy one for $50 to keep. Below is which coupler goes with which brands.
Coupler types at a glance
| Coupler | Also called | Common brands & styles | Get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | American Sankey | Most U.S. macro & craft: Budweiser, Coors, Miller, Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, Stone, Modelo, and the majority of American craft kegs | Rent · Buy |
| S | European Sankey | Many European imports: Heineken, Amstel, Stella Artois, Beck's, Newcastle, Pilsner Urquell | Rent · Buy |
| A | German Slider | German breweries: Paulaner, Spaten, Warsteiner, Bitburger, Hofbräu, Weihenstephaner, Ayinger | Rent · Buy |
| G | Grundy / U.K. | British ales: Bass, Boddingtons, Tetley's, Harp, Caffrey's | Rent · Buy |
| U | Guinness / Stout | Guinness, Murphy's, Smithwick's, Beamish, and most nitro stouts | Rent · Buy |
Coupler type can vary by brewery and by import market, so use this as a guide, not gospel. If you tell us the exact brand you're tapping, we'll match the right coupler before you leave the store.
D System (American Sankey)
By far the most common coupler in the United States. If you're tapping a domestic keg — Budweiser, Coors, Miller — or almost any American craft brewery like Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, or Stone, this is the one. Mexican imports such as Modelo and Corona typically use it too. Rent the D coupler or buy it.
S System (European Sankey)
The standard for many European imports, including Heineken, Amstel, Stella Artois, Beck's, Newcastle, and Pilsner Urquell. Rent the S coupler or buy it.
A System (German Slider)
Used by most German breweries — Paulaner, Spaten, Warsteiner, Bitburger, Hofbräu, Weihenstephaner, and Ayinger among them. Rent the A coupler or buy it.
G System (Grundy / U.K.)
The British coupler, for ales like Bass, Boddingtons, Tetley's, Harp, and Caffrey's. Rent the G coupler or buy it.
U System (Guinness & Stout)
The coupler for Guinness, Murphy's, Smithwick's, Beamish, and most nitro stouts. Remember that a proper creamy stout pour also needs nitrogen gas (or a nitrogen/CO₂ beer-gas blend), not plain CO₂ — see our CO₂ & nitrogen refills page. Rent the U coupler or buy it.
Rent or buy?
- Rent — $25. A refundable $50 deposit is added at checkout and returned in full when you bring the coupler back. Best for a one-time party or event.
- Buy — $50. Keep it for your own kegerator or recurring use.
Not sure which one you need?
Tell us the brand you're tapping and we'll match the coupler for you. We've been setting up kegs in San Francisco since 1959. Call 415-587-5000 or contact us.
Related: Keg Guide · Keg Calculator · Browse all kegs · Draft equipment & gas