An automated beverage dispenser include a metering manifold that contains a pair of mating manifold blocks forming as a generally rectangular cuboid element forming a minimized volume manifold block. A fluid conduit system, a sensor control system and a valve and actuator system are incorporated in and on the minimized volume manifold block. The fluid conduit system comprises a series of linear, interacting fluid channels including a central linear conduit containing a magnetic piston and forming an operative portion of a metering mechanism for providing a metered discharge of beer or beverage between the bulk storage and a tap or spigot in a manner that provides for a beverage specific controlled metered pour into a beverage container. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.