Smarter Brewing Blog
Exploring the art, science, and business of modern craft brewing
The Low Alcohol Beer Craze Is Here: How SmartBrew Has You Covered
The world of craft beer is changing faster than a fresh pour disappears on a Friday night! If you’ve been paying attention to the taps lately, you’ve likely noticed a massive shift in what patrons are ordering. The "sober-curious" movement is no longer a...

Brewery Machine Secrets Revealed: Why Brewpubs are Outperforming Microbreweries 5 to 1
If you have been keeping an eye on the craft beer industry lately, you might have noticed a shifting tide. The days of the "production-first" microbrewery, those massive warehouses tucked away in industrial parks, are facing a serious reality check....

Draft is Back: Why 10% Market Share is a Massive Opportunity for Your Venue
If you’ve been paying attention to the tap handles in your venue lately, you’ve probably felt a shift. The buzz is back. The clinking of glasses is louder. And if you’re a bar, restaurant, or hotel owner, there’s some brand-new data that should have you very, very...

Why Onsite Brew Technology Will Change the Way You Attract Customers
Let’s be honest: the hospitality industry has changed. Gone are the days when simply having a decent tap list and a bowl of pretzels was enough to keep the house full. Today’s customers aren't just looking for a drink, they’re looking for a reason to leave their...

The Beverage Revolution: Why Restaurant Groups are Brewing Their Own Beer, Seltzers, and RTDs
Let’s be honest: the traditional restaurant model is being squeezed from every direction. Labor costs are up, supply chain disruptions are the "new normal," and consumer habits are shifting aster than a weekend happy hour. If you’re running a restaurant...

The Experience Economy: Why Bars are Winning Over Retail in 2026
The landscape of the beverage industry is shifting beneath our feet, and if you are a venue owner, the news is incredibly good. For years, the narrative was about the convenience of the couch, consumers buying their six-packs at the grocery store and staying home to...
Put Our Beer Where Your Mouth Is: The SmartBrew Challenge
SmartBrew provides unlimited beverage creativity... Don't believe us... Well before you stick your foot in your mouth; try putting our beers, ciders, seltzers, and RTD's in your mouth instead.... We love opinions—but let’s keep it human: if you talk before you...

Financing Your Brewery in 2026: The Ultimate Guide to SBA Loans and Bankable Plans
Let's get straight to it: Securing financing for your brewery in 2026 is one of the biggest hurdles standing between you and pouring your first pint. Banks want to see numbers that make sense, projections that hold water, and a business model that doesn't...
SmartBrew’s onprem Ready to Drink (RTD) Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic program raises the bar!
The ready-to-drink (RTD) market is absolutely exploding—especially during the holidays! We're talking about a $1.9 billion industry that's growing at 13.8% annually, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic RTDs leading the charge. From craft cocktail enthusiasts seeking...
How Onsite RTD Brewing (Alcoholic & Non-Alc) Sets Venues Apart With SmartBrew
The ready-to-drink (RTD) market is absolutely exploding—especially during the holidays! We're talking about a $1.9 billion industry that's growing at 13.8% annually, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic RTDs leading the charge. From craft cocktail enthusiasts...