In the words of Benjamin Franklin – “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”. Even if he didn’t really say it I have read it on enough t-shirts to appreciate the quote itself.

Now, I’ll admit to enjoying a cold tasty beer now and then. Whether I stay in the local area around where I live in NYC, or head downtown to grab a brew with friends. Yet, there have been many times my lazy butt would like the same tap beer experience from the comfort of my own couch. A cold pint, my flat screen TV, and my feet up kicking back.

Just so happens that recently my prayers were answered by the Beer Gods themselves when I was contacted to partake in a sampling of the Draftmark Home Tap System! Of course I accepted the offer, because, well…..Beer! Like I was really going to decline? Beer delivered right to my door, courtesy of Fresh Direct who they have worked out a distribution deal with for the NYC area. Damn, it can’t get any simpler since we here in Manhattan live off of food and meal deliveries!

For those not familiar with the Draftmark system it’s a simple and low-maintenance tap system that puts beer fans in total control of the draught beer experience pretty much right from their own living room, den, or fridge. Heck, even the bedroom if that’s where you want it. The unit itself is compact, lightweight, and sturdy. There is a battery pack that needs to be charged from your wall outlet for a few hours which powers the system. I have noticed that it’s long-lasting and I have not had to charge it that much again.

It’s a refrigerator-based system that takes up the same amount of space as a “fridge pack” of soda on your shelf, and it’s portable and mobile so you can easily pull it out and place it anywhere. It’s great for when friends or family are over and can be placed on the table for all to pour their own pint. The Draftmark system holds a one gallon barrel of beer, of which can yield about eleven 12-ounce pours. When the barrel is empty you just dispose or recycle it.

Set up was actually simple and easy to use. Well, after a few minutes of the three of us trying to figure out how to install the barrel and close the unit to lock it in. After our group brain-thrust we figured it out. I’m a beer lover not a Big Bang Theory engineer! Call Howard Wolowitz! Honestly though, it is easy to use.

The technology behind it ensures that the beer inside the system will never touch air until it hits your glass, which allows the beer to stay fresh for thirty days once opened. The one gallon beer barrel of Shock Top was tapped a week ago, and after I poured a glass last night was just as fresh as the first day. I was quite impressed by this, and look forward to having a few more this evening as I relax and recover from turkey day with the family yesterday. Me, my beer, my couch, and my TV. Oh, I can’t forget the complimentary snacks that Fresh Direct hooked me up with. Life is good Mr Home Bartender!

Draftmark offers a variety of beer styles including Goose Island IPA, Budweiser, Shock Top, and Michelob Ultra among others. Prices vary by retailer and state. The Draftmark Tap System retails around $49.99 (one time permanent purchase) and Brewers Barrels cost between $13.99 and $15.99 each. To find a retailer in your area please visit www.draftmark.com or call 1-877-97-DRAFT and provide your zip code.

Oh, and check this out! The Draftmark system is being offered for a super special deal during the month of December. It will be FREE on Fresh Direct for the month of December (while supplies last). Beer barrels sold separately. Just in time for the holidays!

(Disclaimer – even though I was offered the chance to try out the Draftmark system, and was sent a complimentary unit, two beer barrels, and snacks, I really did enjoy using it and would recommend it. It makes a nice gift for any beer lover and doesn’t take up too much space.)

Draftmark – www.draftmark.com

Facebook page – Facebook.com/Draftmark

Fresh Direct – https://www.freshdirect.com/index.jsp