No.2 Cask Keystones (10 Pack)

The Essential Tapping Point for Every Cask

A keystone is one of the most important components of a traditional cask, forming the dispense point through which beer is served. Fitted into the smaller opening at the front of the cask, the keystone creates a secure seal during conditioning and storage before being tapped when the beer is ready to serve.

These No.2 plastic keystones are suitable for use with standard cask systems and are ideal for homebrewers, beer festivals, clubs and traditional real ale dispense setups.

Whether you’re filling a 4.5 Gallon BevCask or a 9 Gallon Firkin, a correctly fitted keystone is essential for successful cask conditioning and serving.

What Is a Cask Keystone?

A keystone is the bung fitted into the smaller opening at the front of a cask.

It remains sealed throughout filling, conditioning and storage before being pierced by a cask tap or dispense fitting when the beer is ready to be served.

The keystone is designed to create a tight seal while still allowing traditional tapping methods to be used.

Why Is a Keystone Important?

Without a keystone, a cask cannot be sealed correctly or prepared for dispense.

The keystone:

• Creates a secure seal during conditioning
• Maintains beer quality during storage
• Provides the tapping point for serving
• Supports traditional cask dispense methods
• Works with standard cask taps and fittings

Every cask requires a correctly fitted keystone before conditioning and dispense can take place.

How Does a Keystone Work?

The keystone is fitted into the designated opening on the front face of the cask before filling or conditioning.

When the beer is ready to be served, a cask tap or dispense fitting is driven through the centre of the keystone, creating a secure connection for serving beer.

This traditional system has been used throughout the brewing industry for generations and remains a core part of cask ale dispense today

Key Features

• Pack of 10 No.2 keystones
• Suitable for traditional cask dispense
• Creates a secure cask seal
• Designed for tapping and serving
• Compatible with standard cask fittings
• Suitable for home and commercial use
• Essential cask consumable
• Durable plastic construction

Keystone vs Shive

Although both are essential cask components, they serve different purposes.

Keystone

• Fitted to the front of the cask
• Used for tapping and dispense
• Smaller opening
• Beer exits through the keystone

Shive

• Fitted to the top of the cask
• Used for venting and conditioning
• Larger opening
• Accepts soft and hard spiles

Together, the keystone and shive allow a cask to be conditioned, vented and served correctly.

Suitable For

• 4.5 Gallon BevCasks
• 9 Gallon Firkin Casks
• Real ale dispense systems
• Home bars
• Beer festivals
• Homebrew clubs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cask keystone?

A keystone is the fitting installed in the front of a cask that provides the tapping point for serving beer.

Where does the keystone fit?

The keystone fits into the smaller opening on the front face of the cask.

What’s the difference between a keystone and a shive?

The keystone is used for tapping and dispense. The shive is used for venting, conditioning and inserting spiles.

Do I need a keystone for every cask?

Yes. Every cask requires a keystone to seal the dispense opening and allow the beer to be served.

Can I use these with plastic casks?

Yes. These No.2 keystones are suitable for use with compatible plastic casks, including homebrew cask systems.

Are these suitable for homebrew real ale?

Absolutely. They are ideal for anyone conditioning and serving traditional cask ale at home.