DRAFT Magazine

With the advent of the iPhone has come a plethora of applications available for cheap, apps that run the gamut on functionality, entertainment or, what’s this, homebrewing? That’s right. Amid the thousands of applications available for iPhone users I’ve stumbled across a few brewing applications that demanded my attention.

(One note: If you’ve homebrewed for a while you likely know of the two most popular brewing applications for the computer: Beersmith and Pro Mash. I have both and am not convinced these current iPhone applications have the goods to do away with the bigger programs.)

I wanted share my findings on three iPhone apps for those interested in having brewing software with you wherever you are. I played with three over the past three weeks: BrewMath, Brew Pal, and Sparge Pal.

Now, BrewMath is technically not a brewing application as it doesn’t allow for recipe formulation. However, it is a very handy tool to have during the brew day with the easiest brix conversion calculator available. You can also quickly estimate IBUs based on hop additions as well as nail your strike temps. Actually, I really like BrewMath for its ease of use and ability to gather data quickly.

The brix conversion in BrewMath, however, doesn’t exactly match the results found in Pro Mash or other online calculators. It’s not off by much, but the results are different. Also, I’m not a big fan on the mash input screen; it’s not intuitive.

David Parker developed both the Brew Pal and Sparge Pal apps, and they should be paired together if you intend on making all-grain batches of brew. The biggest strength of Brew Pal is the easy navigation and input menus — it’s a snap to add your ingredients. I also love the integrated BJCP guidelines for those brewing to style.

Screenshot of Brew Pal

Strikes against Brew Pal are minimal, especially because you can pick it up for under a buck! First, you can’t add dry hopping or zero minute hop additions in the recipes. If you’re like me, that can be frustrating. Also, when inputting hop information you’re not allowed to use decimals. Minor issue. Occasionally it crashes for no reason, too. Luckily it saves the data you’ve entered before failing. Frustrating yes, but still not a deal breaker. Finally, the estimated IBU calculator is slightly off when compared to Pro Mash recipes, but only by a couple points. All things considering, it’s a helluva deal.

I don’t have anything negative to say about Sparge Pal. The input is as easy as you’d want it to be and it’s very easy to read. Oh, it’s free too!

If you’re inclined to geek out when brewing, you’ll definitely want to check these apps out. BrewMath is great for answering questions at the bar, and actually helpful for the random stop at the homebrew shop on your way home. (You do that too, right?). Brew Pal is best for brewdays away from the computer — like group brews. It’s also genius for taking with you to the shop when you need to be sure you get all the ingredients needed.

I’d also recommend getting the BJCP style guides for the iPhone. This free application is fantastic for spontaneous beer tastings with friends, or just to have when you want to know a good commercial example of a lesser-known beer style.

Do you use any of these? If so, I’d love to hear back from you to see what you think. Also, if you’re using a different application, let me know that too — I’m always game for playing with new brew toys.

iTunes Application Prices as of 4/3/09:
Brew Math: $4.99
Brew Pal: $0.99
Sparge Pal: FREE
BJCP Style Guidelines: FREE