Beer matchmaking app launched by master brewer

A YORKSHIRE entrepreneur has launched a beer selection app for food and drink lovers.

Entrepreneur Alex Barlow, author of ALL BEER and a qualified Master Brewer, launched his app yesterday off the back of a successful website offering.

His ALL BEER Finder App will allow users to match the beer to the occasion, and he is looking to help raise £12,000 through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, with 10% of his goal achieved already in 12 hours.

A “beer super-geek”, Mr Barlow created a beer evaluation database, which identifies flavour characters, intensity and flavour balance and is aiming to expand with flavour evaluations from master sommeliers.

Scientific studies at the International Centre for Brewing Science at Nottingham University verified his database, resulting in papers presented at the European, World Brewing Congress and American Society of Brewing Chemists.

Mr Barlow said: “Beer’s superior spectrum of flavours make it the ideal partner for food, yet beer is rarely matched with food in its natural home – the pub, let alone for fine dining.

“Part of the problem is knowledge – of what flavours you enjoy and work with different types of food – and how to find the best beers for the occasion.”

The UK boasts more than 1,400 breweries, and Mr Barlow said: “There are so many beers of all styles available now, the choice can be bewildering.

“So people can be guided by the app to find something that suits their particular preferences, whatever the occasion.”