New technologies in beer production and dispensing
Although humanity has been brewing beer since the dawn of time, processes have changed throughout history in order to optimize production and improve the final result. As a consequence, today’s breweries have high-tech facilities where errors are no longer down to the machinery.
One of the major problems for brewers is beer oxidation. In an effort to solve this issue, equipment manufacturers offer isobaric fermenters. In other words, the beer does not come into contact with air until it reaches the end consumer. This prevents the liquid from oxidizing.
However, there is still another undesirable element that brewers need to overcome: light. Although traditional bottles are tinted to prevent light from generating off-flavors and off-aromas in beer, they are not opaque enough to fully protect it. Cans, on the other hand, are the ideal solution. A can has all the advantages of a beer keg in a smaller volume. In the past, cans had a poor reputation because they could impart a metallic taste to beer, but today the technology used in beer cans has changed. Cans now have an internal silicone lining that keeps the liquid and the metal separate.
In turn, computer systems have brought improvements to beer production. Computers make it possible to automate certain processes, even on a small scale. Along these lines, machines are equipped with sensors that not only measure but also regulate the beer’s parameters. Brewers now find it easier than ever to set parameters and monitor the brewing process. As the beer sector grows, this technology becomes cheaper and more accessible for small producers. At the same time, software designed for recipe formulation has appeared, used by both professional and home brewers.
Nor should we forget our commitment to the environment. Innovation in the beer sector is moving toward sustainability. More and more breweries are integrating systems aimed at reducing energy consumption. Heat and water recovery are the two main pillars of this approach, which seeks to reduce environmental impact.
As for beer dispensers, home beer taps are emerging as the dominant trend. There is an ever-growing range of dispensers designed for home use. Anyone can enjoy a beer tap at home without needing the robust installation of a bar. Many of these taps also include built-in coolers. In fact, in other countries they experiment with hopping during service, using technology similar to Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo, but built into the tap.
Sophistication in beer production and dispensing never stops. This craft, even in its most artisanal form, benefits from technological innovations that make it possible to brew better beer more efficiently.
