The 3 Craft Beer Apps You Need in 2017

Zoe Jacobs
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read

There are a lot of beer apps out there, but which ones are essential when you only have so much space in your phone and so much time on your hands? I’ll tell you my top three.

1. Untappd

The king of beer apps — THE social network for beer enthusiasts, Untappd is unmatched in its reach and breadth of information. I mostly use it as a beer diary: keeping track of my brews and personal ratings. It’s a handy guide to every beer you’ve ever had (so long as you remember to check them in). It’s also useful for looking up styles and stats, as well as checking out what your friends are drinking. The most recent update to the app made a huge difference (in my opinion) on the usability and functionality.

Get the app here.

I’ve been on Untappd since 2012 and took about a two year break from checking in when I was busy in college (so many missed check-ins!), but after coming back to it a few years ago, I find myself opening it all the time.

The new interface makes finding old check-ins easier and allows you to add even more details into each check-in such as serving style and purchase location.

2. BJCP Beer Style Reference

The ultimate official beer style guide at your fingertips. BJCP, the Beer Judge Certification Program, is widely known as the most thorough and complex of the beer certification programs. The app is an upgrade from the very useful but not very user-friendly (especially not mobile-friendly) BJCP website, and includes the full 2008 and 2015 style guides.

Get the app for Android.

I’ve heard that other copycat apps are set up a little better, but I’m used to the interface, so I don’t mind it. It’s a great reference when you want to know the official style guidelines, especially for winning arguments :-) I’m sure it’s also helpful when studying for the exam if that’s your thing.

3. My BrewFest

If you frequent beer festivals, this app has guides to a bunch of the best ones all in one place. Full disclosure: I work for the beer fest company that manages the app, but I wouldn’t put it on here if I didn’t believe in it.

Get the app for iPhone and Android.

My BrewFest has the full brewery and beer line-up with style info and tent location for each fest. It includes a fest map and real-time special tapping alerts so you know when to run over and get a pour of a rare brew.

The brewery reps fill in the info themselves, so it’s more accurate than the lists you get at most fests, plus it lets you keep track of what you’ve had and for fests that give out awards — it’s how you vote for your favorites to win.

If I had to pick just three essential craft beer apps to have on my phone for 2017, these would be it! Of course there are most excellent apps out there, but these are my faves. If you have a must-download beer app -leave it in the comments!

Zoe Jacobs

Written by

I write about craft beer and beer festivals. I also love cats.

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