Spokane-based startup SquareKeg launches Kickstarter presale campaign for SquareOne portable kegs

Spokane-based startup SquareKeg has launched a Kickstarter campaign for what the company calls one of the first square-shaped, portable kegs on the market.

SquareKeg launched the presale campaign Tuesday for SquareOne, a 4.75-by-11-inch stainless steel keg that holds up to 128 ounces of beer, wine, cold brew or kombucha.

SquareOne can fit inside coolers and refrigerators, allowing consumers to enjoy draft beverages while camping, at barbecues or at home.

“When it comes to the SquareOne, one of the biggest advantages is more volume in a smaller footprint,” Tim Loucks, founder of SquareKeg said. “(The SquareOne) will compete well with traditional growlers and other containers for consumer use.”

Loucks, a Spokane resident, founded SquareKeg in 2017 to transform how consumers and commercial suppliers consume, distribute and serve beverages.

“It was really founded on just an idea and the fact that round kegs are inefficient and waste space,” Loucks said. “It’s one of those ‘There has got to be a better way type of things.’ ”

Loucks researched the idea of a square mini keg and found there wasn’t a similar product on the market.

“That really validated the idea,” Loucks said. He then partnered with a team of people who assisted him in the process of creating the product.

Loucks said SquareOne also provides commercial breweries with an alternative to growers for repeat fill orders and customer trade-in programs.

Spokane-based River City Brewing committed to using SquareOne in its brewery to drive brand awareness and achieve more revenue from to-go beer sales.

“Our customers expect the freshest and most flavorful beer every time it’s poured,” Jeremy Tangen, owner of River City Brewing, said in a statement. “SquareOne allows us to provide that to them in a unique and convenient vessel that allows our beer’s award-winning flavors to stand out and hold perfect over time.”

The Kickstarter presale will provide SquareKeg with a pipeline of orders before ramping up to full production nationwide, Loucks said.

He also hopes the crowdfunding website will help the company gain national exposure.

The Kickstarter presale for SquareOne ends Sept. 24 with the product slated for delivery by March 2021.

Following the presale, SquareOne will be available to order for $199 through the SquareKeg website.