BeerDatabase

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  • Manage and create beer recipes on your Mac

    by 
    Laurie A. Duncan
    Laurie A. Duncan
    11.29.2006

    Mac360 directed me toward an app that I don't have any real use for, but I wish I did. Homebrew Formulator is a Filemaker runtime application, which means you don't need Filemaker to use it. The important thing to know is that Homebrew Formulator is all about helping you make your own beer - brew your own brew, if you will. It lets you manage and design your very own beer recipes and store them in a flexible and powerful database. It includes beer styles from the most current BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) Style Guidelines, a mash calculator, brewing water calculator, carbonation calculator, yeast repitch calculator and even a hydrometer correction calculator. Those words (other than the word beer) mean nothing to me, but to those who practice the art of fine homebrewing, it's probably important stuff. Who knew that there was so much math involved with something as sublimely simple as beer? I drink a lot of beer, but I will be the first to admit that I don't know a damn thing about making it. I know how to buy it and I know how to drink it. Usually I even know when to stop drinking it. I appreciate fine beer like some people appreciate fine wine - only without all that bothersome knowledge. I do think it would be very cool to make my own beer, however, and if I am ever inspired to brew more and drink less, this will be the first app I turn to to get me started.You'll need Mac OS X 10.3.9 or better and Intel-based Mac owners will be glad to hear it's Universal Binary. The good news? Homebrew Formulator is free, as in beer. And on that note... will one of you toss me a cold one?