
Ep 24 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Brewing - Ankur Napa
06/10/24 • 64 min
Is AI at the forefront of the next industrial revolution? And how does that affect the brewing industry?
With me is Ankur Napa who has worked for ABInBev, SABMiller & United Breweries as a brewer and senior data analyst.
In this episode we go cover:
- What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- What current tools and systems can it replace in brewing?
- How will this affect brewers/breweries?
- Real-life examples of AI in brewing and how they impacted the brewery
- Future of AI in Brewing
- Can it replace brewers themselves?
- Ethics and data privacy of AI
- How to integrate AI into your brewery
- What does Ankur think AI should be used for in the brewery
Chapters (written by AI)
00:00 Introduction to the Modern Brewer Podcast
00:22 The Evolution of Technology and AI
01:36 AI in Brewing: Potential and Concerns
02:07 Introducing Brew Resourceful
04:29 Guest Introduction: Ankur Napa
05:23 Ankur's Journey in the Brewing Industry
10:19 Understanding AI and Data Science
18:57 AI's Impact on Brewing Processes
22:43 Future of AI in Brewing
28:42 Real-World Applications and Challenges
33:42 The Future of Automated Brewing
34:03 Can AI Replace Brewers?
34:34 The Role of AI in Brewing Decisions
38:02 Challenges and Limitations of AI in Craft Breweries
42:00 Ethics and Data Privacy in AI
47:19 Integrating AI in Breweries: Practical Steps
55:53 Sustainability and AI in Brewing
01:01:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
📨 Register interest in Brew Resourceful's new AI-powered brewhouse efficiency monitoring system
🔗 Ankur's LinkedIn
✉️ Ankur's Email: [email protected]
🤖 IntelligentX AI brewed beer - sadly has closed, they were the definition of ahead of their time. Check out the promo video made 8 years ago. Proof of AI life before chat GPT https://vimeo.com/172395607
Is AI at the forefront of the next industrial revolution? And how does that affect the brewing industry?
With me is Ankur Napa who has worked for ABInBev, SABMiller & United Breweries as a brewer and senior data analyst.
In this episode we go cover:
- What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- What current tools and systems can it replace in brewing?
- How will this affect brewers/breweries?
- Real-life examples of AI in brewing and how they impacted the brewery
- Future of AI in Brewing
- Can it replace brewers themselves?
- Ethics and data privacy of AI
- How to integrate AI into your brewery
- What does Ankur think AI should be used for in the brewery
Chapters (written by AI)
00:00 Introduction to the Modern Brewer Podcast
00:22 The Evolution of Technology and AI
01:36 AI in Brewing: Potential and Concerns
02:07 Introducing Brew Resourceful
04:29 Guest Introduction: Ankur Napa
05:23 Ankur's Journey in the Brewing Industry
10:19 Understanding AI and Data Science
18:57 AI's Impact on Brewing Processes
22:43 Future of AI in Brewing
28:42 Real-World Applications and Challenges
33:42 The Future of Automated Brewing
34:03 Can AI Replace Brewers?
34:34 The Role of AI in Brewing Decisions
38:02 Challenges and Limitations of AI in Craft Breweries
42:00 Ethics and Data Privacy in AI
47:19 Integrating AI in Breweries: Practical Steps
55:53 Sustainability and AI in Brewing
01:01:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
📨 Register interest in Brew Resourceful's new AI-powered brewhouse efficiency monitoring system
🔗 Ankur's LinkedIn
✉️ Ankur's Email: [email protected]
🤖 IntelligentX AI brewed beer - sadly has closed, they were the definition of ahead of their time. Check out the promo video made 8 years ago. Proof of AI life before chat GPT https://vimeo.com/172395607
Previous Episode

Ep 23 - Everything About Commissioning Beer - Edina Bálint
Commissioning is one of the most intense, stressful and rewarding aspects of brewery management. And it is a poorly covered subject, which this episode is going to end.
In this blockbuster episode, Chris Lewington (host) and the amazing Edina Bálint (Commissioning brewer at SSV) discuss everything you need to know about commissioning.
Topics we cover
- Project steps of a typical craft brewery turn-key project
- Where to get your tanks manufactured
- Steps of Commissioning
- Who from the business should be involved in commissioning brews?
- Safety and Training
- Is there any optimisation during commissioning?
By the end of the episode, you will be ready for your first commissioning. Good luck, and if you enjoy the episode, please share it with your brewing pals, colleagues and associates.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:32 The Importance of Commissioning
00:37 Chris's Major Project Experience
02:20 Call to Action for Listeners
03:05 Introduction to Brewing Trade
04:14 Guest Introduction: Edina Ballant
04:46 Edina's Brewing Journey
07:13 SSV and Commissioning Brewer Role
12:16 Turnkey Projects Explained
22:39 Commissioning Steps and Processes
32:59 The Mysterious Black Dust in Brewing Tanks
35:14 Challenges and Pressure in Brewery Projects
36:08 First Brew: Quality Specs and Commissioning
38:49 Training Brewers on New Equipment
42:02 Importance of SOPs and Customization
54:04 Optimisation and Efficiency in Brewing
59:43 Maintenance and Service Contracts
01:02:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections
🔗 Edina's LinkedIn
🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
🔁 Brewing Trade
🎵 Horacio Colombo
Next Episode

Ep 25 - Repitch Your Yeast - Alix Blease
💃🎉🎈 Happy 1 Year Anniversary Everyone!!!
With me is Alix Blease from Lallemand, this episode is targeted at brewers looking to repitch their yeast.
We will cover everything from start to finish and by the end you should have the confidence, understanding and know-how to stop the dreaded pitch and ditch and start maximising the yeast you purchase. If you are already repitching your yeast, don’t drop out just yet, I am sure you will want to confirm that you are repitching your yeast correctly and that there might be a more efficient way to do it.
Topics Covered:
- What yeast can be repitched
- How to avoid contamination
- Forced Ferments
- How Sensitive Is Yeast?
- Cell Viability
- How Many Times Can You Repitch
- How Many Times Should You Repitch
- When to Repitch
- Methods of Repitching
- How To assess under/Over Pitch
- What Do You Need To Do With Your Wort
Chapters
00:00 Welcome
00:54 Podcast Anniversary and Reflections
02:43 Introduction to Yeast Repitching
03:58 Guest Introduction: Alex Blease
04:28 Understanding Yeast and Scientific Papers
08:04 Yeast Repitching: Best Practices
11:51 Assessing Yeast Quality
15:24 Microbial Contamination and Testing
21:50 Practical Tips for Yeast Repitching
36:16 Yeast Pitching Strategies
36:57 Genetic Mutations and Yeast Adaptation
37:41 Bottom Cropping Lager Yeast
39:44 Indicators for Cropping Yeast
41:49 Methods for Repitching Yeast
51:49 Yeast Nutrition and Health
58:01 Common Yeast Issues and Solutions
01:02:49 Hands-On Learning and Workshops
01:05:24 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
🔗 Alix Blease's Contact
🔗 Chris' LinkedIn
📨 Register interest in Brew Resourceful's new AI-powered brewhouse efficiency monitoring system
The Modern Brewer Podcast - Ep 24 - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Brewing - Ankur Napa
Transcript
Hello everyone and welcome to the latest episode of the Modern Brewer Podcast with me, your host, Chris Lewington. The world changed when we entered the first industrial revolution, when humans first built machines powered by kinetic movements, steam and water that were capable of doing humans manual work more efficiently than ever before. Then we discovered electricity, propelling these machines into capabilities far beyond their steam and water power predecessors.</
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