Do you think beer can’t possibly get any better? Well, think again.
The technological revolution has brought about some pretty monumental changes, but this might be the most exciting yet for anyone fond of a good brew. Meet the Waytap, a new portable draft beer system from Fizzics that promises to “enhance the flavor of any canned or bottled beer.”
The method behind the madness is Fizzics’ patented microfoam technology, which purports to use sound waves to transform beer’s natural carbonation into dense, compact, and uniform bubbles that ultimately stand to enrich the aroma, flavor, and taste of your brew. And because it’s portable and a breeze to use, you can bring it to any party and instantly become the life of it.
“At the end of the day, we’re a team of engineers and technologists who really love beer,” said Philip Petracca, Fizzics co-founder and CEO. “We wanted to use technology to give people a whole new beer-drinking experience, help people explore beer in a new way, and to elevate the experiences shared around beer. Our first Fizzics device enabled us to get this technology into the hands of a really amazing community of beer lovers, and the enthusiastic support and feedback has been instrumental in helping us further refine the Waytap experience.”
While the team claims that the function of the Waytap leaves little to be desired, it wanted to ensure that its form was just as appealing. To that end, it partnered with frog, a global design and strategy firm, to create a minimalistic but bold industrial look for the tap. And according to Ethan Imboden, Frog’s vice president of Venture Design, it was the Waytap’s performance that convinced the company to help out in the design process. “I was dubious of Phil’s concept, so he sat me down and gave me a blind tasting of a hand-poured beer and one poured with Waytap,” said Imboden. “Approximately 3 ounces later, I was convinced.”
He continued “At Frog, we’re excited by companies that aim to enhance our experiences through the thoughtful, judicious use of technology and design. In keeping with Fizzics’ mission, our design for Waytap focuses on growing and celebrating the universal enjoyment of food and drink that brings so many of us together.”
The Waytap can be pre-ordered now on Kickstarter for $130 in either black or white. The Waytap needs only four AA batteries to operate, and weighs just three pounds. It’s compatible with cans between 12 and 25 ounces, as well as 12 ounce bottles, and promises to enhance all beer styles, including IPAs, pilsners, brown ales, stouts, porters, lagers, and more.
“It’s important for us that the crowdfunding community be the first to experience our new product,” said Petracca. “This is a community we know and trust, and they’re as passionate about our products as we are. That’s the kind of customer involvement most companies only dream of.”
