Rise of the robo hops as brewery makes ‘AI beer’ in ChatGPT experiment

13 January 2024 , 18:48

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AI was used to create a new beer recipe (Image: Getty Images)

A brewery has raised the bar on applications for AI by using the technology to create a “revolutionary” pale ale.

Bosses got ChatGPT to experiment with hop combinations and malt profiles – and the result was golden session beer AiPA.

Rob Crawford, of Nethergate Brewery, said: “One of our tech guys was using AI to develop our website. The conversation went to, ‘Can it create a recipe for beer?’ and we thought, ‘Let’s give it a go’.” The result is described as “sessionable pale ale, golden in hue with citrus and floral notes, thanks to a blend of Cascade, Amarillo, Centennial, and Citra hops.”

Clip artwork

The brewery in Long Melford, Suffolk, used the same technology to design futuristic artwork for the pump clips in pubs.

Mr Crawford added: “It’s a bit of a gamble really. We want it to be a fantastic beer but we don’t want AI to take over.” Pre-orders have flooded in for the 3.9% brew but some are sceptical.

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Rick Robinson, 58, landlord of the Willoughby Arms in Kingston upon Thames, South-West London, said: “What’s the point? I don’t suppose for a minute it’s going to make a difference to the taste.

“What comes out of the AI is only what humans put in. All beers use a computer and until a robot can think for itself or has taste buds, it won’t make a difference.”

An eco-booze firm says it has made vodka-like spirits using carbon dioxide.

Finnish start-up Aircohol, in talks with drink giants, hopes to launch them in the UK in about two years and claims its method cuts carbon emissions.

Cecilia Adamou