AI Brewed Beer

Artificial intelligence (in this case machine learning based AI) is making its way into so many parts of our lives without us even realizing it. Unbelievably one such case is, surprise, the brewing of beer.

Beer lovers and connoisseurs out there might be horrified to learn that their favorite brews are now being made through computers. But there are now, in fact, breweries that are using A.I. to create beer recipients and enhance the production of the golden beverage.

They may be comforted to know though that AI is not replacing the brew master just yet.  AI is being used to give insights to brew masters and beer companies on how to make better beer based on customer feedback. 

The data is processed by an AI algorithm, and then the brewer decides how to incorporate the algorithm's output(s). Using data from customers on their preferences, AI outputs decisions on what ingredients to use and the best possible brewing methods which should be followed.  

Customized AI brews

In 2016, a beer producing company called IntelligentX made headlines when they created the world's first commercially sold solely brewed through the use of artificial intelligence. The company created a beer and then asked customers to follow the URL link provided on the bottles/cans to give their feedback. Then a complex machine learning algorithm sifted through the feedback to determine what consumers liked to help them brew new versions of the beer which were more finely tuned to people’s tastes. 

"So far, IntelligentX has created about 35 or 36 iterations of its beer" 

CEO Rob McInerney. 

IntelligentX is not the only company integrating AI and machine learning into its brew process. In another case Carlsberg, a Copenhagen-based brewery, partnered with Microsoft, Aarhus University and the Technical University of Denmark to create thousands of different beer samples everyday in a project called Beer Fingerprinting. 

This involves using sensors that determine the flavor fingerprint of each beer sample and provides analysis of different yeasts. The data is then fed into an AI system, and it is ultimately expected that new brews will be developed from the information.  The system allow products to get to market faster it can also helps ensure the highest quality.  

In future it could be possible to order a beer based on a recipe solely customized on one's own personal preferences. 

The key question is: will AI be able to cure hangovers by making hangover-free beer?