The Smartbrew System
World-Class Craft Beer. Every Time.
Innovation
The SmartBrew® automated brewing system is a truly unique brewing system designed for the bar, restaurant, casino, hotel and retail industries.
Invented by Brian Watson – one of the most celebrated BrewMasters on the planet – this revolutionary system is changing the craft beer landscape, letting operators brew an unlimited range of fresh world-class beers and ciders onsite without the complications, inconsistencies and expenses of the past.
“If anyone wants to hear about how good the SmartBrew® system is, tell them to call me; it is that good, and the beer is great.”
—Willie Berkers, Owner, King Country Brewing Company
How did we do it? We simply split the 5,000 year old brewing process into two.
You have the luxury of renowned Brewmaster Brian Watson being your collaborative BrewMaster, You’re going to work directly with Brian on your recipes to ensure they’re truly world-class.
After we take care of the making wort using the finest ingredients from all over the world, you add the yeast, hops via dry-hopping, local ingredients for your favorite flavored beers all onsite in your SmartBrew® system – the most advanced brewing system in the world.
You can have multiple styles – any styles – all brewing at the same time. The SmartBrew system automates the process from fermentation to maturation,. The result is consistent, perfect world-class beers. Every time.
Once the beer is completed and emptied, each fermenter tank then cleans itself automatically at the push of a button and you’re ready to brew your next batch. Your SmartBrew®automated brewing system allows for continual remote monitoring, and takes control of the entire automated process so your onsite operator can have confidence that you’re brewing the best beer possible.
Our Process FAQ
How does the SmartBrew automated brewing process work?
SmartBrew splits the traditional brewing process into two parts: Brewmaster Brian Watson's team prepares high-gravity wort offsite using premium ingredients, then ships it to the operator's venue. Onsite, the operator adds yeast and dry hops to the SmartBrew fermentation tanks, which then automate the entire fermentation, maturation, and tank self-cleaning cycle.
What is a split brewing process and why does SmartBrew use it?
A split brewing process separates wort production — the most complex, equipment-intensive stage — from fermentation and finishing, which happen onsite. SmartBrew uses this approach so hospitality operators benefit from expert wort quality without needing a full brew house, while still producing fresh, differentiated beer under their own brand.
Can the SmartBrew system run multiple beer styles simultaneously?
Yes. SmartBrew's multiple fermentation vessels allow operators to brew different styles at the same time, so venues can maintain a rotating tap list without gaps in availability. While one batch ferments, completed batches are ready to serve — enabling continuous production across several styles concurrently.
Does the SmartBrew system require manual cleaning between batches?
No. After each batch is complete and emptied, SmartBrew's fermentation tanks clean themselves automatically at the push of a button. This automated CIP (clean-in-place) function eliminates the labor-intensive manual cleaning required by traditional brewing systems and keeps the tanks ready for the next batch with minimal staff effort.
How does SmartBrew's automated fermentation compare to traditional manual brewing systems in terms of labor?
Traditional brewing requires a skilled brewer to manually monitor and adjust fermentation conditions throughout each batch. SmartBrew's automated system handles temperature control, timing, dry-hopping, and self-cleaning without ongoing operator intervention — reducing the brewing labor requirement to a fraction of what a conventional system demands.
Can the SmartBrew system be monitored remotely, and who has access to that monitoring?
Yes. SmartBrew systems are internet-connected and support continuous remote monitoring by both the venue operator and SmartBrew's expert team. This dual-access remote oversight means problems can be identified and resolved quickly without requiring an on-call brewer at the venue.
Is the SmartBrew brewing process suitable for bars and restaurants with no prior brewing experience?
SmartBrew was invented specifically for the bar, restaurant, casino, hotel, and retail industries — operators with hospitality expertise but no brewing background. The system's automation and built-in expert support structure mean no prior brewing knowledge is required to produce world-class, commercially competitive beer onsite.
How many hours a week does it take to operate a SmartBrew system?
A SmartBrew system requires less than four hours of labor per week to operate. Because fermentation, temperature control, dry-hopping, and clean-in-place (CIP) tank cleaning are fully automated, existing hospitality staff can run the system without a dedicated brewer, backed by 24/7 support and remote monitoring.
Can SmartBrew make non-alcoholic beer, cider, seltzer, and RTD drinks?
Yes. In addition to virtually any craft beer style, a SmartBrew system can produce non-alcoholic beer, cider, hard seltzer, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages - all under the operator's own brand. The same fully automated platform and High Gravity Wort (HGW) approach support this full range without separate equipment.