Revolutionizing Brewing: How St Austell Brewery in Cornwall Combines Tradition and artificial intelligence to Create a Unique Beer Recipe
In an intriguing amalgamation of tradition and advanced technology, St Austell Brewery in Cornwall has ventured into uncharted territory by utilizing the power of artificial intelligence (ai) to develop a distinctive beer recipe. Barnaby Skerrett, the assistant brewing manager at St Austell Brewery, has unlocked the potential of ai to initiate the brewery’s annual Cask Club series with a beer named “Hand Brewed by Robots.”
The Genesis of an ai-PA: A 4.2% American Pale Ale
Skerrett’s visionary technique involved feeding an contact ai generator with instructions based on the desired ingredients and flavor profiles. The ai then crafted a recipe for a 4.2% American “ai-PA.” Skerrett subsequently brought this innovative recipe to life using St Austell Brewery’s small-batch brewing kit.
The Perfect Blend of Human Expertise and ai: A Hands-On Approach
Although the beer’s origins were computerized, Skerrett and his team meticulously crafted the brew by hand. The application of ai did not expedite the process; rather, it served as a novelty and experimental endeavor that demonstrated the potential harmony between technology and traditional brewing methods.
“The idea for the beer came from me working with ai tools in my general job with brewhouse automation,” Skerrett shared. “As I was talking to the ai one day, I thought I’d ask it a question about brewing to catch it out as I was interested to see the results.”
Preserving the Human Touch in Brewing
Despite embracing ai in brewing, Skerrett acknowledges the indispensable role of human expertise throughout the process. “On the beer side, too much requires human input,” he emphasized. “Whether that’s checking the ingredients and other quality checks that can’t be done by ai.”
Moreover, Skerrett recognizes that an ai system cannot fully replicate the nuanced sensory experience of tasting and evaluating a beer’s quality. “It’s the same when the beer comes out the other side, and we do tasting checks,” he added. “An ai can never properly tell you whether that beer tastes fantastic or if it’s not up to scratch.”
A Tropical Fusion of Flavors: The ai-PA Experience
The resulting beer, “Hand Brewed by Robots,” promises a unique and alluring flavor profile. Infused with Willamette, Cascade, and Sultana hops, this ai-PA offers a tropical, juicy, and resinous experience that invites beer enthusiasts to explore the limits of traditional brewing techniques while embracing the potential of technological innovation.
St Austell Brewery’s Cask Club series, which allows each brewer to develop their own recipe and brew a small batch of beer, is the ideal platform for Skerrett’s ai-inspired creation. Approximately 40 casks have been produced, providing beer lovers in the South West region with the opportunity to savor the distinctive flavors of “Hand Brewed by Robots” in select pubs starting from March 8th.
As the craft beer industry evolves, St Austell Brewery’s integration of ai in brewing represents a courageous stride towards discovering new possibilities while maintaining the cherished traditions and craftsmanship inherent to the art of brewing. Whether ai will play a more substantial role in the future of brewing remains uncertain, but Barnaby Skerrett and St Austell Brewery’s pioneering effort serve as a testament to the industry’s dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering remarkable beer experiences to discerning connoisseurs.
