BE OPEN BLOG

According to Wikipedia, beer is the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic drink in the world, and the third most popular drink overall after potable water and tea. All this said, it could be a great source of inspiration for designers and engineers who happen to be beer enthusiasts sharing the universal fascination with the brew.

After doing research, major Dutch beer brand Heineken decided there was a market need for a product that would allow consumers “to enjoy an upscale drinking experience in their own homes.” They have contacted one of the most influential contemporary industrial designers Marc Newson to develop a domestic draft beer machine which is the equivalent to a Nespresso coffee maker for beer lovers.

Dubbed The Sub and manufactured by Krups, the draught beer appliance works using a completely new, unique close-keg technology comprising Torps – two-liter metal cylindrical containers filled with beer. After the containers are loaded into the machine, it chills the beer down to two degrees Celsius, which is four degrees colder than in a common refrigerator. Consumers can then pour a perfectly chilled drink to serve a cold draught beer to friends at home.

To finalize the design, The Sub features an aluminium body and distinctive green detailing that recalls Heineken’s iconic bottles.

Seeking to optimize the process of serving a draught beer, San Francisco-based company Pubinno has turned to AI technology and robotics. The team has developed a smart tap system that pours the ideal beer at optimum pressure and temperature depending on its sort.

The product is specially designed for bartenders, as multiple pints can be poured one after the other using precise measures. Not only the small screens on the taps show when the keg is empty, the IoT platform converts sales and quality data into meaningful insights, allowing pubs to run smoothly and more efficiently.

The team claims the patented AI-powered flow algorithm can increase keg yield by up to 20% and minimize waste. The smart solution, they hope, could present the future of beer industry that they call the ”internet of beer.”

The next design has been developed for true beer enthusiasts who do not want to part with their favourite drink. To mark the launch of Heineken Silver beer, the Dutch beer brand has partnered with Los Angeles designer Dominic Ciambrone, also known as The Shoe Surgeon, to create a pair of sneakers that have transparent soles filled with beer.

Aptly named Heinekicks, the custom limited edition trainers allow the users to literally “walk on beer.” The beer is injected into the sole using a surgical method so the alcohol is securely trapped, while a transparent tube that runs across the upper exterior of the shoe is also filled with beer. To enable users to enjoy a beverage “whenever the occasion arises,” the tongue of the shoe includes a removable metal bottle opener.

The exterior design is also informed by the appearance of Heineken’s beer bottle featuring red and green colours.