Krowne MasterTap: Cutting-Edge Draft Beer Systems

Krowne MasterTap beverage dispensing systems are disrupting the way people buy and sell draft beer systems

🍺 The Underdog Story: Why Krowne Entered Draft Beer

In three short years, the Krowne MasterTap draft beer system is really disrupting the market – against all odds! In a world dominated by industry titans, why would anyone even bother stepping onto the playing field? That’s exactly the kind of challenge Krowne thrives on.

For over a century, Perlick has been a fixture in the draft beer space, while Micro Matic reigns globally with an iron grip on brand and distribution. The field wasn’t just crowded—it was impenetrable. That is, until Krowne decided it was time to change the rules.

In 2021, Kyle Forman and Paul Bastante, impassioned third-generation leaders of the family-run Krowne brand, made a bold pivot. With no legacy in draft systems, they charged straight into Goliath territory—undaunted and unapologetic. This wasn’t just business. They were on a mission of disruption.

The Harvard Business Review says only 10% of family businesses make it to the third generation. But Krowne isn’t here to survive—they’re here to redefine. Under Forman and Bastante’s leadership, “disruption” isn’t a buzzword. It’s a battle cry. They saw a stagnant space and a staid industry. So they did what the modern-day Krowne does best: innovated, engineered, and entered the arena with something completely new.

KROWNE'S MASTERTAP DRAFT BEER TECHNOLOGY

🛠️ What Makes Krowne MasterTap a Game-Changer?

The draft beer systems space has long been a playground for tradition. Legacy brands made incremental tweaks—but innovation? That flatlined decades ago. Krowne saw the void and filled it with something refreshingly bold: MasterTap.

The Krowne MasterTap isn’t just another draft beer system. It’s a total reimagining of how beer should be delivered—engineered from scratch with cutting-edge precision and built for the future.

What sets it apart? Three pillars:

  • Technology: From Cold Plunge to mobile integration, every component pushes the limits of what a draft system can be.
  • Efficiency: Less glycol. Faster cooling. Smarter monitoring. Every inch of the system is optimized for performance and cost-savings.
  • Reliability: Tested, perfected, and produced in-house under Krowne’s watchful eye. There are no off-the-shelf shortcuts—just uncompromising quality.

MasterTap is Krowne’s response to an industry that stopped listening to its users. And now, the competition can’t ignore it.

Krowne's BeerFlex is the World's first glycol dispensing system configurator
CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE FOR YOUR INSTANT QUOTE!

🧠 Meet BeerFlex: The World’s First Draft System Design in 3D

Imagine designing a custom draft beer system—on your phone – and you get the price in seconds, without the need to talk to a salesman… AND in 3D… WITH augmented reality. That’s not a fantasy. That’s BeerFlex.

With BeerFlex, Krowne became the first in the industry to offer a full-scale, digital configurator for custom draft systems. Krowne’s BeerFlex provides full transparency. No more endless back-and-forth with sales reps. Just pure, frictionless design power at your fingertips.

Here’s what BeerFlex does:

  • Design your Krowne MasterTap system in 3D with real-time visual feedback.

     

  • Get an instant quote—yes, really—within seconds.

     

  • Walk through your setup using augmented reality to see how it fits your actual space.

     

Desktop, tablet, smartphone—it doesn’t matter. BeerFlex brings the showroom to your screen, making the planning process faster, smarter, and more empowering than ever before.

➡️ Read About Krowne’s BarFlex Configurator

Temperature effects on draft beer issues diagram.

❄️ Cold Plunge Technology Explained

There’s a critical problem in traditional draft beer systems: temperature change (warming). As beer travels from the walk-in cooler through the trunk line, it’s vulnerable to minor but costly increases in temperature—and that means wasted product, foam issues, and inconsistent pours.

Enter: Cold Plunge Technology (CPT)—Krowne’s secret weapon.

CPT is a precision-engineered aluminum heat exchanger that delivers a strategic burst of cold to stabilize beer temperatures just before they hit vulnerable points in the system. Installed either right before the trunkline (for smaller bars) or about six feet from the tower (for large-scale applications like stadiums), it’s a game-changer for quality control.

Why does it matter? Because every degree counts in draft beer. CPT ensures your product stays cold, your foam stays minimal, and your profits stay intact—from keg to glass.

⬇️ Download the MasterTap Brochure

Glycol usage and cost comparison chart.

💧 Why the MasterTap Power Pack Matters: Krowne’s Sealed Bath Advantage

Glycol is the lifeblood of any long-draw draft beer system—and Krowne’s MasterTap power packs treat it like gold.

Unlike traditional coil bath systems, MasterTap uses a sealed bath system with an integrated flat plate heat exchanger. The result? Greater  efficiency through far less glycol. Where others need 12 gallons of glycol to get the job done, MasterTap does it with just 2.5 gallons.

Do the math: at $90 per gallon, that’s an $855 savings every time the glycol needs to be replaced.

But this isn’t just about cost. It’s about innovation. The sealed system reduces contamination risk, improves thermal efficiency, and simplifies long-term maintenance. With MasterTap, you’re upgrading your bottom line!

Krowne's commitment to excellence infographic diagram.

🔍 Krowne MasterTap: Smart, Durable, and Built In-House

Krowne doesn’t outsource excellence—they manufacture it.

Unlike competitors who cobble together components from third-party suppliers, MasterTap is American made – the same as Krowne’s industry-trusted refrigeration systems. This tight vertical integration gives them full control over every component—every weld, wire, and screw is subject to Krowne’s exacting standards.

Why does that matter?
Because with every system crafted in-house, Krowne guarantees superior quality control, inventory reliability, and aftermarket serviceability. Replacement parts? Already stocked. Engineering tweaks? No problem. Technical support? A single, responsive team that knows every inch of your setup.

With Krowne, you’re not just buying a draft system—you’re investing in craftsmanship backed by decades of engineering precision.

MasterTap trunk housing diagram that features glass-lined product lines that are designed to preserve the integrity of the flavor no matter how many times the product is changed

🔄 Trunkline Tech: A Cleaner Pour, Every Time

Let’s talk about trunk lines—the often-overlooked arteries of draft beer systems. Most brands settle for copper or PVC tubing, which can get the job done… until they don’t.

Krowne’s MasterTap goes all in with Accuflex Bev-Seal lines, featuring a high-performance glass liner that eliminates flavor carryover. Pour a seasonal IPA in April, a cold-brew espresso cocktail in May, and a hazy sour in June—no lingering aftertastes, no cross-contamination.

But that’s just the start.

Every MasterTap trunk line is fully insulated and designed with flexibility in mind. That means fewer kinks during installation, more stable pressure across every pour, and less risk of mechanical issues down the line. Whether your system’s running through a tight bar or a sprawling stadium, MasterTap’s trunkline tech delivers the cleanest, crispest product possible.

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Our flexible collective of F&B consultants brings deep specialization in bar design, kitchen planning, guest experience, and hospitality strategy. Whether it’s a boutique hotel or a national chain, we assemble elite teams to deliver world-class outcomes.

Meet the Team →

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KROWNE MOBILE-CONNECTED DRAFT SYSTEM

📱 Coming Soon: The Mobile-Connected Draft System

We are about to enter the smart bar era!

Krowne’s MasterTap isn’t just a mechanical marvel—it will soon be a connected system designed for modern operations. Through integrated sensors placed in the walk-in cooler, users can remotely monitor their draft beer environment via smartphone or POS system.

Here’s what it will be able to track:

  • Cooler temperature

  • Product temperature

  • System health alerts

If something spikes or drops outside the optimal range, MasterTap will soon be able to send a notification straight to your screen—so you can fix the problem before it becomes a service disaster.

Leave it to Krowne – operational intelligence, soon to be baked right into your bar’s ecosystem!

Draft systems innovations: BeerFlex, Cold Plunge, Sensors.

🍻 Final Pour: Is Krowne’s MasterTap the Future?

MasterTap didn’t come to play. It came to shift the landscape.

In just a few years, Krowne went from zero presence in draft systems to creating one of the most forward-thinking platforms in the industry. Every feature—BeerFlex, Cold Plunge, smart sensors, glycol efficiency—isn’t just a nod to innovation. It’s a challenge to the status quo.

While legacy players rest on tradition, Krowne is building for what’s next. Their focus isn’t on beating the competition. It’s on redefining what’s possible—and letting the market follow. After all, competition makes everyone better – it’s the American Way!

So, is MasterTap the future? If you ask the bars who’ve cut waste, streamlined service, and leveled-up presentation—the future is already pouring.

In the draft beer systems business, Krowne is like a rocket ship exploring new universes

🚀 More Exciting Ideas from Krowne

Krowne isn’t slowing down—they’re just getting started. Staying true to their ethos of constant innovation, the company is unveiling a new wave of technology that pushes the boundaries of what draft systems can do.

IOT-Driven Performance: Their upcoming suite of IOT features will introduce real-time monitoring and preventative maintenance alerts, designed to help operators track performance metrics, reduce downtime, and fine-tune efficiency—all from the palm of their hand. This connected ecosystem isn’t just about control—it’s about giving owners a smarter, leaner way to run their beverage programs.

Power to Go the Distance: Coming in Summer 2025, Krowne will launch a 1.5HP power pack, built specifically to handle long-distance draft beer delivery for massive venues.

Meet OTTO: And in true sci-fi fashion, Krowne now offers “OTTO,” a robotic bartending solution that blends automation with hospitality—a bold step into the future of service. I covered this in a recent post, which you can read below:

➡️ Krowne Wrapup at NAFEM 2025

❓ FAQ: Krowne MasterTap

1. What is Krowne MasterTap, and how is it different from traditional draft beer systems?
Krowne MasterTap is a cutting-edge draft beer system designed to bring innovation, efficiency, and smart technology to bars, restaurants, and stadiums. Unlike traditional systems, MasterTap features Cold Plunge Technology, a sealed glycol bath, mobile connectivity, and advanced components like glass-lined trunk lines to deliver cleaner pours and reduce waste.

2. How does the BeerFlex configurator work?
BeerFlex is Krowne’s industry-first 3D and augmented reality draft system configurator. It allows users to fully customize their MasterTap setup online, receive instant quotes, and virtually walk through the system in their space—all without needing to speak to a sales rep.

3. How much can I save using Krowne’s sealed glycol bath system?
The MasterTap sealed bath system uses just 2.5 gallons of glycol compared to the 12 gallons required by traditional coil bath systems. With USP-grade propylene glycol priced at around $90 per gallon, that’s a savings of approximately $855 every time you change it.

4. Is Krowne MasterTap compatible with cocktails and non-beer beverages?
Absolutely. Thanks to Accuflex Bev-Seal glass liner technology, there’s no flavor carryover—so seasonal beers, cocktails, and other draft beverages can be rotated cleanly without lingering aftertastes.

5. Can I monitor my Krowne MasterTap system remotely?
Yes! With mobile-connected monitoring features, MasterTap lets you track your draft system via smartphone or POS in real time. You’ll get instant alerts about temperature spikes or system issues, which helps you minimize waste and downtime.

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RICK UZUBELL

President of Cabaret Design Group, Rick holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and is a F&B consultant and well-known bar design expert with years of experience serving hotels, restaurants, sports bars and destination bars. He has developed a command of bar design solutions involving ergonomics, equipment, systems and finishes that bridges the "Gray Zone" between interior designers and architects. He's also a champion of ADA design in commercial bar applications. Through his unique architectural engineering approach he calls "Integrated Bar Design," Rick solves complex bar design challenges beyond the expertise of typical design professionals. His proudest achievements include curved bar design solutions using the modular bar die system and steel as a core design element. As a commercial bar design specialist, Rick has cutting-edge knowledge of draft beer systems, liquor systems, keg room design and batch cocktail systems. He will add significant value to any commercial bar design project. Rick is a proud member of the F&B consortium known as the "Magnificent 7". Additionally, he has authored nearly 100 articles and 80 YouTube videos on the topic of bar design, and these can be found on his Cabaret Design Group website and @bardesigners YouTube channel. Today, Rick's influence extends across the U.S., Canada, and various offshore applications.
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Sam Winer, audio and video specialist for security-integrated food and beverage consulting

Sam Winer

AV + Security Specialist | President,
WinStar Video Security

Sam Winer leads WinStar Video Security with over 20 years of experience designing and installing advanced surveillance, audio, and communications systems for restaurants, bars, and QSR chains. His firm delivers HD, AI-powered security systems, immersive AV experiences, and cellular signal boosting that meets the demands of modern hospitality venues.

From single-unit lounges to high-volume chains, Sam’s work focuses on guest experience, loss prevention, and operational reliability. He’s known for helping operators select the right systems — then install and maintain them for long-term performance.

Sam is a trusted integrator for projects that require technical precision and rock-solid uptime — whether building from scratch, upgrading legacy systems, or opening at scale.

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James Farley, PE, SE

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James Farley is a licensed structural engineer with deep experience designing commercial buildings across the U.S. He is the owner and principal at MC Squared, Inc., where he leads structural design for a wide range of mid-rise hospitality, retail, and mixed-use projects.

James specializes in turning complex architectural visions into sound, code-compliant structures. His work spans steel, wood, concrete, and hybrid systems — and he’s known for his speed, clarity, and ability to collaborate closely with design teams to support aesthetics without compromising performance.

Licensed in multiple states, including Washington and Arkansas, James plays a vital role in bar and restaurant projects that demand both technical integrity and visual impact.

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Design Consultant | President,
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Whether supporting a hospital kitchen upgrade, a campus dining overhaul, or a high-volume hospitality venue, Garrett focuses on designs that last — clean, compliant, and centered on the user experience.

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With a background in construction management and boutique consulting, Dylan’s superpower is translating regulatory code into efficient, scalable spaces. He’s worked closely with Departments of Health across multiple U.S. jurisdictions and is known for identifying and solving challenges that would stall less experienced teams.

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Kevin Moll is a 39-year hospitality veteran, known for his unmatched insight into startup strategy, turnaround planning, and talent acquisition. As President of Restaurant Consulting Services, Inc. and its sister company Restaurant Recruiting Pros, he delivers full-spectrum solutions — from concept to culture.

His operational experience spans World’s Fair-scale foodservice, multi-unit ownership, and high-performance recruiting. He’s been featured on ABC’s Nightline, authored two books, and founded “Mystery Shoppers,” a global brand trusted by operators worldwide.

Kevin blends street-smart practicality with boardroom-level advisory, making him an invaluable partner to entrepreneurs, executives, and investors alike. Whether launching a new brand or revitalizing an underperforming venue, his work bridges hospitality intuition with data-driven execution — unlocking growth where others see obstacles.

Lu Schildmeyer, restaurant and bar design specialist with deep expertise in foodservice facility consulting

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LU S Design Associates

Lu Schildmeyer has shaped more than 2,800 hospitality environments across the U.S. and Canada — including over 700 restaurants and 600 bars. With nearly four decades of experience in foodservice facility design, custom stainless steel millwork, and health code compliance, Lu is a trusted specialist for operators who demand technical precision and operational fluidity.

His work spans every segment of the hospitality industry — from boutique bistros to high-volume entertainment venues — where performance, durability, and code alignment must all coexist. Known for practical layouts and forward-thinking BOH integration, Lu brings peace of mind to architects, developers, and chefs who want their kitchens to run as smoothly as their dining rooms.

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Over the past three decades, Craig has helped launch more than 100 successful venues — including restaurants, casinos, and specialty dining concepts across the U.S. His consulting engagements focus on marrying smart design with real-world management, often bridging the gap between creative vision and operational execution.

Craig’s expertise is especially valued in Tribal gaming environments, where sovereignty, cultural fluency, and long-term sustainability must align. He approaches these partnerships with respect, precision, and a commitment to self-determination — creating foodservice strategies that support community goals while optimizing guest satisfaction and fiscal results.

Colin Addley, global construction strategist and food and beverage consultant for hospitality development

COLIN ADDLEY, MCIOB

Construction Strategist | Founder,
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Colin Addley is a Chartered Builder (MCIOB) with over 40 years of experience leading complex construction projects across six continents. His expertise spans construction management, quantity surveying, and international development strategy — particularly in hospitality, resorts, and commercial spaces.

As the founder of ADDMORE Services, Colin works with a global network of professionals he’s personally vetted — including quantity surveyors, site engineers, project managers, and planners — all of whom operate with the same rigor and high-performance mindset. He’s directed projects in the UK, UAE, South Africa, Germany, and North America, earning a reputation for precise execution on fast-moving, high-stakes initiatives.

Whether it’s developing a new food hall in Johannesburg, overseeing a hospitality rollout in the Gulf States, or helping U.S. brands expand overseas, Colin brings logistical clarity and on-the-ground insight to every venture. His work consistently blends old-school project discipline with contemporary collaboration — making him a powerhouse for any project that spans borders, teams, or time zones.

Rick Uzubell, bar design expert and food and beverage consultant specializing in integrated bar systems

Rick Uzubell

Bar Design Expert | Founder,
Cabaret Design Group

Rick Uzubell is a recognized authority in commercial bar design — especially in the elusive “Gray Zone” where architecture, code, and performance intersect. As the creator of Integrated Bar Design, he solves complex spatial and system challenges beyond the reach of typical design professionals.

His signature touches — curved bars, modular steel systems, and ADA-first layouts — have shaped elite projects across the U.S., Canada, and offshore markets. With nearly 100 published articles and over 80 YouTube videos, Rick is a prolific voice for smarter, more profitable bar environments.

Rick’s method blends aesthetic flow with compliance-forward spatial logic — resolving the often-overlooked tensions between building codes, bar efficiency, and guest engagement. His modular steel systems have become a calling card for operators who want high-volume throughput without sacrificing service quality or ADA inclusion.

Beyond design, Rick is a thought leader and educator in the hospitality space. His articles and videos have helped thousands of restaurateurs, architects, and consultants rethink the way bars are built — and how they perform.