BeerBorg

I know, I know, this would take out a lot of the actual art and craft of making craft beer. But it still looks like it'd be a fun, and very expensive toy:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/85 ... me-brewery

I'm kind of divided about this sort of thing. (I can't afford them anyway) We all use modern advancements in brewing, scientifically reproduced yeast, internet recipes and procedures. Some use automated systems like RIMS or HERMS, with computer controls. How much automation is too much? The finished product is no less authentic. This little beasty is too small, and a bit too detached for my taste. But many admire and covet other all-in-one systems like the Grainfather. There is a similar debate in the classic boat world. Some hold that anything but traditional plank on frame construction is not authentic. But they still use modern sailcloth and synthetic lines, probably cell phones too. So, where do you draw the line? It's different for everyone. I am glad that homebrewing options are constantly expanding.

Yeah, John. There's a similar sort of debate in the music production biz. Today, we producers can program an electronic drum beat that sounds every bit as natural as a human drummer, complete with variations in tones, velocity (that is, the virtual drums aren't hit with the same amount of force each time) and even small deviations from the song's tempo. These variances aren't normally noticeable, but the listener will perceive them as sounding natural and not robotic. A real drum set takes at LEAST 4 microphones, stands, tons of cable, lots of studio time/expense and hard work to get a good sound. Or, you can just program the drums for a song in half a work day with software. In the end, a good drummer can bring a certain amount of adrenaline and energy than a computer can't.

I do think this beer machine is pretty cool though! Kinda like one of those bread machines, but for beer. If I had one, I'd use it for little in-between batches. My brew days are very scarce, so it'd be nice to keep the pipeline going when I didn't have time.

I like tech stuff and am a bit nerdy but I just can't see going this simple as I enjoy the actual work of homebrewing. As I get older, that may change so technology will be on my side.

I like this concept better then the mini-zymatic, in that you can use your own ingredients and design your own recipe. (the mini-zymatic is more like a pod based coffee maker).

I've seen a couple of these types of things. I won't say I'm opposed to them categorically. I think they'll appeal to a niche market, albeit a very small one, and therefore a limited one. Busy young urban professionals who don't have a lot of space or time to brew on the scale that someone such as I have might be interested in it, but I can't see brewing on such a small scale, and in such an automated, hands-off fashion.

Again, it depends on what you're in it for. I get the most enjoyment out of creating my own recipes, and having homebrew in the pipeline on a regular basis. But I have the space to have three carboys going at once, three kegs charging at once, and a couple cases bottle-conditioning at the same time. For someone in a one-bedroom apartment in Flatbush, who would just like to have a beer on tap for the occasional weekend with his poker-playing buddies, this might not be a bad option.

I also agree with Paul that it's the hands-on process of brewing (whether using a mash tun, or BIAB) that just appeals to me. It may take six hours, but since I spend my work days busy doing what I gotta do, being able to spend my brew days doing what I wanna do makes it seem a lot less like work.

I agree with all comments so far. I also like the hands-on experience but can see where others wouldn't and this might work for them. There sure are a lot of these types of things on Kickstarter, though - how do you pick one?

Kealia wrote:I agree with all comments so far. I also like the hands-on experience but can see where others wouldn't and this might work for them. There sure are a lot of these types of things on Kickstarter, though - how do you pick one?

I toss a coin and then ignore them.

That's an interesting comparison about music Frosty. It points out that it exists in two realms: that of the maker and the listener. And they are connected by process. There is an art to making beer, or music, or building a boat. And knowing that it was crafted by hand means something on both sides. We each have to balance our time, space, funds and personal wishes in the way we make our beer. I like my process now, in time I may value a machine that does a little more of the work.
Interesting discussion.

Yeah, don't get me wrong. I love making my own beer. It's relaxing, makes the house smell great and it appeals to my meticulous, detail-oriented nature. But after watching the videos about that machine, I kind of want one haha... It's just.... cool.

All the new 'plug 'n brew' systems are definitely in the cool gadgets category. They make great conversation pieces since they're about as easy to use as a Mr. Coffee maker. Maybe some day when working with 10 gallon batches proves too difficult I might end up with one of them. But for now I'll take a pass.

Seems like a lot of money to spend on a system that only brews 1 gallon at a time. That's only 8 pints. That would be gone in a night when the neighbors come over!!

I think make your beer however you enjoy making your beer. If you like all the new gadgets, use them, if you like the DIY cooler mash tun, use it. This is a hobby. Hobbies should be enjoyed. I like fishing with a bobber, or bottom line, others like trolling with lures. I ride a rather high tech road bike, others prefer mountain bikes or cruisers. I will enjoy making my beer the way I make it, if someone else prefers completely automated it's no skin off my nose.

I'll pass. When I'm too lazy to enjoy brewing, I'll just pour a cold glass of crown.