Beer is great, and home brewed beers are some of the best (or absolute worst). Minibrew promises consistency in home brewing by making the process as idiot-proof as possible through a smartphone app and delivery service. In fact, it’s about as easy as making coffee (although it takes a bit longer).
It’s also one of the more practical products I found on the SXSW show floor, and one that really fits a need.
What is it?
Minibrew is an interesting mix of hardware, software, and a delivery service. It starts by using the smartphone app to create the kind of beer you want to make. Whether it’s something funky — Minibrew skipped water once, and made a brew using another beer instead — or something entirely new. Or, you can even make clones of some of your favorite beers using the sliders within the app.
Once you’ve keyed in the beer ingredients, it’s time to order them. Minibrew has your back there, too. Simply complete the order on the app and ingredients are shipped to your door in a matter of days.
From there, you just dump them into the keg, and let the machine work its magic. Beer is done in a few hours, but it’ll take a couple days to ferment once complete. All told, you’ll have ready-to-drink beer in about five days.
Why is it cool?
Home brewing has long been a popular — and rather expensive — hobby. Minibrew takes some of the expense out of the equation (no more wasted batches) and adds some much-needed guidance for new brewers.
What really sets it apart, though, is the level of customizability within the app. From there, you control everything from alcohol content, to flavor, to hop level. It’s a machine made for beer lovers, by beer lovers.
When is it coming?
It’s available now. You can grab one for about a thousand bucks, and have it shipped just about anywhere in the world.
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