Utilising Machine Learning (& AI) to Describe and Rate Craft Beers

Craft beer is a beverage that tantalises our taste buds with its diverse flavours, aromas, and textures. Describing and rating craft beers accurately can be a challenging task due to the complexity and subjectivity involved. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, brewers and beer enthusiasts in the United Kingdom are now able to leverage technology to generate tasting notes that capture the essence of these unique brews. In this blog, we will explore how AI is revolutionising the way craft beers are described and rated, enhancing our understanding and enjoyment of this beloved beverage.

problem

Understanding the Challenge

Craft beers encompass an extensive range of styles, each with its own distinct characteristics. Traditional methods of describing and rating beers rely heavily on human sensory perception and expertise. However, taste and aroma can be subjective, and it’s challenging to articulate and quantify the nuances of flavour. AI steps in as a powerful tool that can process vast amounts of data and extract patterns that aid in generating tasting notes.

terminal

Training the AI Models

To create AI-powered tasting notes, machine learning algorithms are trained using large datasets of beer reviews and expert ratings. These datasets contain a wealth of information about the flavours, aromas, appearance, and mouthfeel of various beers. By exposing the models to this data, they can learn to recognise and understand the unique characteristics associated with different beer styles.

spellcheck

Analysing Textual Reviews

Natural language processing (NLP) techniques play a crucial role in generating tasting notes. These algorithms can analyse textual reviews and extract meaningful information about taste, aroma, appearance, and other attributes. By parsing through thousands of reviews, AI models can identify commonly mentioned descriptors and associations that are indicative of specific flavour profiles.

sentiment_neutral

Sentiment Analysis and Ratings

In addition to extracting descriptive information, AI algorithms can perform sentiment analysis on beer reviews. This analysis enables the models to determine whether the sentiment expressed in a review is positive, negative, or neutral. By aggregating these sentiment scores across multiple reviews, the AI can generate an overall rating for a particular beer.

share_off

The Limitations of AI-Generated Tasting Notes

While AI-generated tasting notes offer valuable insights, it’s important to acknowledge their limitations. AI models lack personal taste preferences and the ability to fully capture the subjective experience of enjoying a beer. The human element, with its sensory perception and emotional response, remains integral to beer appreciation. Therefore, AI-generated tasting notes should be considered as complementary tools rather than replacements for human expertise.

mark_chat_read

Applications and Benefits

AI-generated tasting notes find applications in various areas of the craft beer industry. One significant application is beer recommendation systems. By understanding individual preferences and matching them with similar beers, AI can assist consumers in discovering new brews that align with their tastes. Additionally, novice beer enthusiasts can benefit from AI-generated tasting notes as they navigate the vast world of craft beer and learn about different styles and flavour profiles.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have opened up new possibilities for describing and rating craft beers. By leveraging vast datasets and sophisticated algorithms, AI can generate tasting notes that capture the essence of various beer styles. While AI provides valuable insights, it should be seen as a tool that complements human expertise rather than replaces it. As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, the marriage of AI and beer appreciation offers exciting opportunities for both brewers and consumers in the United Kingdom to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of this beloved beverage.