diff --git a/sau/gentoo.py b/sau/gentoo.py
index ffc99cb..b3bd814 100644
--- a/sau/gentoo.py
+++ b/sau/gentoo.py
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ def pkg_upgrade():
                     log.warning(line)
 
     if do_grub:
-        keep_kernels = conf.getint('default', 'keep_kernels', default=4)
+        keep_kernels = conf.getint('default', 'keep_kernels', fallback=4)
         if keep_kernels < 1:
             log.error('keep_kernels cannot be less than one; falling back to default')
             keep_kernels = 4