In a previous Brew Review I covered the brilliant English elixer, Newcastle Brown Ale (read), and was quick to point out that the best way to experience this classic is on tap at your favorite pub. Well, the folks at Newcastle agree and have decided to make it even easier for you to get your hop-loving hands on some Newkie the way it was meant to be served.

They announced recently that they would begin test-marketing the Newcastle DraughtKeg. Incorporating some pretty sweet (and patented) beer technology, together with Newcastle’s unique flavor and refreshing, smooth finish, the DraughtKeg is basically your own porta-pub, giving you the real draught experience just about anywhere. I wouldn’t recommend trying to sneak it into a movie, though. It’s not exactly stash-friendly.

Featuring the same technology used in the Heineken mini-keg, the Newcastle DraughtKeg combines an internal CO2 system with a mini tap. This feature helps keep the beer fresh for up to 30 days after tapping, and delivers the same taste experience as a pub-poured pint. BTW, if you're waiting more than 30 days to finish this thing and test this claim, you need to have your beer-drinker’s license revoked.

The Newcastle DraughtKeg is 100% recyclable steel and it contains 1.33 gallons (5 liters) of Newcastle Brown Ale. That’s enough to serve about 10 pints to all of your grateful friends. The Newcastle DraughtKeg is also compatible with the Krups BeerTender, an appliance designed exclusively for the DraughtKeg. The BeerTender chills and maintains the ideal temperature for the DraughtKeg, creating a stylish draught system for an at-home pub experience.

The Newcastle DraughtKeg will launch in select markets (Southern California, Minneapolis, and Chicago) beginning in July 2009. If all goes well I would expect them to have national availability sometime early 2010. Cheers.

$23 - Expected Retail
www.newcastlebrown.com