In Stardew Valley, success often comes from unexpected corners, and the keg is a prime example. More than just a barrel, the keg can transform your farm’s earnings and open up new avenues of profit. This guide is your comprehensive resource: from crafting your first keg and understanding its benefits to the variety of products you can produce. Ready to tap into the potential of this farming essential?
Table of Contents
What is a Keg?
A keg in Stardew Valley is a craftable item used to ferment various crops, turning them into beverages like wine, juice, and beer, thereby increasing their value.
Crafted using a blend of wood, copper, iron, and oak resin, this special item lets players transform their harvested crops and foraged items into valuable beverages. Whether you’re turning hops into a refreshing pale ale or aging grapes into fine wine, the keg amplifies the worth of your products, making it an indispensable asset for those looking to maximize their farm’s income.
Why Build a Keg?
A keg is essential for making a profit, completing bundles and enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
To Sell Wine
In Stardew Valley, one of the most lucrative transformations that players can embark upon is turning fruits into wines using the keg.
Take, for example, the common Grape. On its own, a grape can be sold for a modest 80g. However, after spending seven days in the keg, it metamorphoses into Grape Wine, which boasts a selling price of 240g, tripling its initial worth.
Another notable fruit is the Ancient Fruit, coveted for its high value. Selling it directly yields 550g. But when you ferment it into Ancient Fruit Wine, its price skyrockets to an astonishing 1,650g (base value). Such transformations emphasize the importance of patience and strategy in the game.
To Complete The Enchanter’s Bundle
In Stardew Valley’s Community Center, the Enchanter’s Bundle stands out as one of the more mystifying challenges. Central to this bundle is wine, produced using the keg, showcasing the vital role of this apparatus in turning any fruit into a magical elixir.
Completing the Enchanter’s Bundle yields the player five gold bars, a valuable resource for crafting and tool upgrades. More than just the immediate reward, fulfilling this bundle is a step closer to revitalizing the entire Community Center, unlocking the magical Junimo helpers and fostering a reconnection between the village and nature.
By mastering the use of the keg and securing the wine for the Enchanter’s Bundle, players pave their way to more significant achievements and the overall prosperity of Pelican Town.
To Complete The ‘Pam is Thirsty’ Quest
On the 14th of Summer in the first year, players receive a letter from Pam, candidly expressing her hankering for a Pale Ale. To satisfy Pam’s request, players must harness the capabilities of the keg.
By placing Hops, a crop harvested in the summer, into the keg, they can brew the coveted Pale Ale. Successfully delivering this crafted beverage to Pam not only fulfills her request but also garners the player a monetary reward of 350g and a notable enhancement in their relationship with Pam.
How to Craft a Keg
In Stardew Valley, players must attain level 8 in the Farming skill to craft a keg. The essential materials for the keg are 30 pieces of wood, 1 copper bar, 1 iron bar, and 1 oak resin.
Step 1: Reach Level 8 Farming Skill
Boosting one’s Farming skill primarily involves the cultivation and harvesting of crops. Each time a crop is harvested, it contributes to the skill’s experience points.
Planting a diverse range of crops, particularly those with shorter growth cycles, can expedite this process. Additionally, taking care of animals, milking them, and shearing sheep also add to the farming experience. For those keen on reaching level 8 quickly, focusing on crops that produce multiple harvests, like strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries, can be particularly beneficial.
As players ascend through the farming levels, not only do they unlock the keg, but they also gain access to other valuable crafting recipes, enhancing their farming efficiency and the potential for profit.
Step 2: Get 30 Pieces of Wood
The most efficient method to accumulate 30 pieces of wood quickly is by felling trees with an axe.
While small trees and branches provide a limited amount, larger trees, notably those found on the player’s farm or in Cindersap Forest, yield a more significant stash of wood, often between 10 to 20 pieces per tree. As you upgrade your axe from basic to copper, iron, and beyond, you’ll be able to chop trees faster and with fewer energy expenditures.
Step 3: Get 1 Copper Bar
To produce a copper bar, players need to smelt copper ore. Copper ore is found in the Mines located northeast of the Carpenter’s Shop. The early levels, particularly between 1 and 40, are rich in copper nodes.
Once a player gathers five pieces of copper ore and possesses some coal for fuel, they can use a furnace to smelt the ore. The smelting process lasts thirty in-game minutes, culminating in the formation of a gleaming copper bar, ready for crafting or further tool upgrades.
Step 4: Get 1 Iron Bar
To obtain an iron bar, players must first gain iron ore. In order to find iron ore, target levels 41 to 80, where iron nodes are most prevalent. Harvesting these nodes yields iron ore. Accumulating five pieces of this ore and some coal for smelting allows players to use a furnace to begin the transformation process. After two in-game hours of smelting, the furnace reveals its product: a solid iron bar.
Step 5: Get 1 Oak Resin
To obtain oak resin, players first need to identify an oak tree, recognizable by its broad, round leaves. Once spotted, the next step is to craft or obtain a tapper. Affixing this tapper to the oak tree starts the extraction process.
After a waiting period, typically 7 to 8 in-game days, the tapper will have collected the valuable oak resin. This amber substance can then be harvested directly from the tapper. Being proactive in placing multiple tappers on various oak trees across the farm ensures a steady and renewable supply of this essential crafting ingredient.
Step 6: Craft the Keg
Once a player in Stardew Valley has amassed the necessary materials for the keg, the crafting process is straightforward. With 30 pieces of wood, 1 copper bar, 1 iron bar, and 1 oak resin in hand, players can access their crafting menu, typically represented by a hammer icon in the game’s interface.
Within this menu, navigating to the keg’s recipe and selecting it will instantly transform the materials into a usable keg. The crafted keg can then be placed anywhere on the farm, ready to begin the process of turning crops into valuable artisan goods.
How to Use a Keg
Once the keg is crafted and placed on your farm, you only have to tap on it with an item to start the process.
To begin, approach the keg and right-click or tap on it, opening its inventory window. Here, you can place a suitable item like fruit or wheat, depending on what you aim to produce. After adding the item, the keg will start its fermentation or brewing process.
A bubbling animation indicates that the keg is actively working. The duration of this process varies based on the input: while making beer from wheat might take a couple of days, aging wine from fruit can be a longer endeavor.
Once the keg has finished its transformation, it will display a distinct “full” graphic. Approaching and interacting with the keg at this stage allows players to collect the finished product, be it wine, beer, juice, or any other brew. It’s crucial to remember that the quality and value of the end product can significantly depend on the quality of the initial input.
All The Items You Can Obtain With a Keg
In Stardew Valley, the Keg produces a variety of drinks, including Wine, Juice, Beer, Pale Ale, Coffee, Green Tea, and Mead, each crafted from specific fruits, vegetables, or grains.
Wine
Wine is an Artisan Good in Stardew Valley, produced in a Keg from various fruits over 7 days. With versatile uses from gifting to selling, its value and effects vary based on the fruit used.
Profit
The selling price of wine is calculated as 3 times the base value of the fruit used to produce it. If we consider a fruit with a base value of 100g, the wine will sell for 300g. Additionally, Wine can be aged in casks, starting from its base quality and progressing to iridium quality. As it ages, its value increases.
- Silver Quality: (3 × Base Fruit Value) × 1.25 (Aged for 14 days)
- Gold Quality: (3 × Base Fruit Value) × 1.50 (Aged for an additional 14 days; 28 days in total)
- Iridium Quality: (3 × Base Fruit Value) × 2 (Aged for another 28 days; 56 days in total)
Stats
Time: Wine requires 7 in-game days to ferment in a keg. If aged in a cask, it can take up to 56 in-game days to reach iridium quality, making it the longest aging item.
Health: If consumed, a base wine will offer 50 energy and 22 Health.
Buffs: Upon consumption, all wines give the “Tipsy” debuff, which reduces the player’s speed by 1. The energy and health benefits remain consistent, irrespective of the fruit origin.
Gifting and Other Uses
Wine is a popular gift among the Stardew Valley residents. Harvey and Leah Love Wine making it a great gift for either of their birthdays. Specific villagers like Leah and Elliott might even gift you wine during New Year’s Eve. It’s also a possible gift at the Feast of the Winter Star.
Apart from its direct consumption and gifting benefits, Wine can be a component for tailoring in order to craft a black leather jacket.
Pale Ale
Pale Ale is a refreshing beverage in Stardew Valley crafted in a keg from Hops in just 1-2 days. Popular among the residents, especially Pam, it’s a drink that’s synonymous with summer due to the availability of its main ingredient.
Profit
The base selling price of Pale Ale is 300g. The Artisan Profession can notably elevate this value:
- Silver Quality: 375g (or 525g with Artisan Profession)
- Gold Quality: 450g (or 630g with Artisan Profession)
- Iridium Quality: 600g (or 840g with Artisan Profession)
Stats
Time: The transformation of Hops into Pale Ale is swift, taking only 1-2 in-game days in a keg.
Health: Drinking Pale Ale will grant players 50 energy and 22 Health.
Buffs: Like wine, consuming Pale Ale provides the “Tipsy” debuff, which decreases the player’s speed by 1.
Gifting and Other Uses
Pam has a particular fondness for Pale Ale, making it her favorite gift. Gifting it on her birthday (Spring 18) is a sure way to rapidly increase affection. Besides Pam, Shane likes receiving Pale Ale as a gift.
It’s also crucial for the “Pam Is Thirsty” quest, where Pam sends you a mail asking for a Pale Ale. Completing this quest will reward you with 350g and a friendship boost with Pam.
Beer
Beer is a classic Artisan Good in Stardew Valley, crafted in a keg from Wheat over a period of 1-2 days. Frequently available at The Saloon and the Ginger Island Resort, its distinct taste is cherished by many in the Valley and can be a useful item in multiple scenarios.
Profit
The fundamental selling price of Beer stands at 200g. However, this value can significantly rise with quality and the Artisan Profession:
- Silver Quality: 250g (or 350g with Artisan Profession)
- Gold Quality: 300g (or 420g with Artisan Profession)
- Iridium Quality: 400g (or 560g with Artisan Profession)
Stats
Time: Beer takes between 1 to 2 in-game days to produce in a keg. If placed in a cask, it can be aged up to 28 in-game days to achieve iridium quality.
Health: Consumption of Beer offers 50 Energy and 22 Health as a base.
Buffs: Just like other alcoholic beverages in Stardew Valley, Beer gives the player a “Tipsy” debuff, which reduces speed by 1 for 30 seconds.
Gifting and Other Uses
Many villagers have a penchant for Beer. Particularly, Pam and Shane absolutely love it, while a broad spectrum of residents like it, including but not limited to Abigail, Alex, Clint, and Gus. However, a few, like Jas, Leo, and Sebastian, have an aversion to it.
Beer is more than just a drink in Stardew Valley. It can also be utilized in tailoring. When combined with cloth in the sewing machine, it crafts a sleek black leather jacket. Moreover, it serves as a yellow dye, both in the sewing machine and the dye pot located in Emily’s and Haley’s home.
Mead
Mead is a delightful Artisan Good in Stardew Valley, crafted in a keg from Honey over a span of 10 hours. While also purchasable at the Ginger Island Resort, Mead stands out as a unique beverage with its honey origins.
Profit
The foundational selling price of Mead is set at 200g. Nonetheless, this can considerably increase with quality enhancements and the Artisan Profession:
- Silver Quality: 250g (or 350g with Artisan Profession)
- Gold Quality: 300g (or 420g with Artisan Profession)
- Iridium Quality: 400g (or 560g with Artisan Profession)
Stats
- Health: Consuming Mead grants 75 Energy and 33 Health at its base, with increments for superior qualities.
- Time: Mead requires 10 in-game hours to be produced in a keg. When placed inside a cask, it can be aged up to 28 in-game days for iridium quality.
- Buffs: Just like several beverages in Stardew Valley, Mead presents a “Tipsy” debuff, slowing the player’s speed by 1 for 30 seconds.
Gifting and Other Uses
Mead is highly appreciated by many Stardew Valley residents. Specifically, Pam and Willy adore it. A wide array of villagers, including Abigail, Alex, Caroline, and many more, like it. However, a select few, such as Jas, Leo, and Sebastian, don’t have a taste for it.
Coffee
For those in Stardew Valley who seek a quick pep in their step, coffee is the beverage of choice. The enticing aroma and the promise of increased speed make it a popular drink among residents.
Profit
The base selling price of Coffee is set at 150g. Unlike many Artisan Goods, Coffee’s price isn’t influenced by the Artisan Profession since it’s not considered an Artisan Good.
Stats
Time: Coffee requires a brief 2 in-game hours to brew in a keg.
Health: A sip of Coffee grants a modest 3 Energy and 1 Health.
Buffs: Coffee stands out as it grants the player a +1 Speed boost, lasting for 1m 23s. Notably, this also accelerates the player’s horse.
Gifting and Other Uses
Residents of Stardew Valley enjoy Coffee. While most of them like it, Harvey loves it. Just be careful not to give it to any of the children as you’ll lose friendship points.
Coffee can also be transformed into Triple Shot Espresso for those seeking a stronger punch. This potent variant requires 3 Coffees and, when consumed, endows the player with a Speed buff lasting for 4m 12s.
Green Tea
Green Tea is a refreshing Artisan Good in Stardew Valley, meticulously crafted in a keg from a single Tea Leaf over a duration of 3 hours. Its delicate flavor and revitalizing properties make it a cherished beverage in the Valley.
Profit
The fundamental selling price of Green Tea stands at 100g. With the Artisan Profession you can earn 140g.
Stats
Time: Green Tea takes a mere 3 in-game hours to produce in a keg.
Health: Upon consumption, Green Tea offers 13 Energy and 5 Health.
Buffs: One of the standout features of Green Tea is its ability to temporarily boost the player’s Max Energy by 30, lasting for 4m 12s.
Gifting and Other Uses
Green Tea is quite a popular choice among the residents of Stardew Valley. While Caroline and Lewis absolutely adore it, a wide array of villagers, including Abigail, Alex, Clint, Demetrius, and many others, are fond of it. However, it’s best to avoid offering it to Jas and Vincent as they aren’t too keen on it.
Beyond quenching thirst, Green Tea has other roles in Stardew Valley. Tailors will find it useful to create the catchy “Tea Shirt” with a sewing machine. Furthermore, it also acts as a green dye, useful in both the sewing machine and the dye pots found at Emily’s home.
Juice
Juice is a wholesome Artisan Good in Stardew Valley, meticulously crafted in a keg from a variety of vegetables over an approximate duration of 4 days.
Profit
The primary selling metric for Juice is rather unique; it is pegged to the base value of the vegetable used in its production. Specifically, the selling price of Juice is 2.25 times the base value of the input vegetable. Those with the Artisan Profession can see this multiplier jump to a lucrative 3.15 times the base vegetable price.
Stats
Time: Juice undergoes a relatively long fermentation process in a keg, taking close to 4 in-game days.
Health: Irrespective of the vegetable used, Juice consistently provides 75 Energy and 33 Health upon consumption.
Gifting and Other Uses
Juice enjoys broad acceptance among the denizens of Stardew Valley. A multitude of villagers, such as Abigail, Alex, Caroline, Clint, and many more, have a liking for it. However, it’s best to steer clear of gifting Juice to Jas, Sebastian, and Vincent, as they don’t share the general enthusiasm.
Beyond its primary role as a beverage, Juice has a footprint in tailoring. It serves as a primary component in crafting the stylish and dyeable “Sports Shirt” using a sewing machine.
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