Brewing Software - Comments Please

[Cregar]

I just noticed that they don't offer a demo version either. Not to happy about that

I have been using BeerAlchemy demo, which I like alot but was just waiting to tryout Beertools Pro before deciding on which one to get. If I can't get a demo software from Beertools, I just might buy BeerAlchemy

Dude... Do you think its worth purchasing without a demo version to try?

 

[Dude]

I just noticed that they don't offer a demo version either. Not to happy about that

I have been using BeerAlchemy demo, which I like alot but was just waiting to tryout Beertools Pro before deciding on which one to get. If I can't get a demo software from Beertools, I just might buy BeerAlchemy

Dude... Do you think its worth purchasing without a demo version to try?

Honestly I don't know the cost of this program, and I'd hate to have you fork out all those bucks to not like it based on my recommendation. Different strokes for different folks, you know?

I'll bug the designer about putting out a trial. Maybe I can get him to post over here about it.

 

[debtman7]

I just noticed that they don't offer a demo version either. Not to happy about that

I have been using BeerAlchemy demo, which I like alot but was just waiting to tryout Beertools Pro before deciding on which one to get. If I can't get a demo software from Beertools, I just might buy BeerAlchemy

Dude... Do you think its worth purchasing without a demo version to try?

BeerAlchemy is pretty good, and it fits in nicely as a mac app. A cross platform app usually has a hard time getting the right 'feel' on a mac, so who knows...

Only reason I haven't paid for beer alchemy yet is that I think $30 is a bit much for what this kind of software does. I could whip up an app that does the same thing in a few hours, but the hard part is inputting all the data for various ingredients and implementing the calculations. I'd pay to avoid having to do all that work, but I think $15 is a more reasonable amount... In perspective, $30 will get you a video game that took a lot more work to develop

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

Damn! There are two separate versions of Beertools, one for each platform. I was hoping to get both in one since I have a dual platform house

Well, it's out now for $24.95 - $5 off as an introductory offer.

 

[Evan!]

Damn! There are two separate versions of Beertools, one for each platform. I was hoping to get both in one since I have a dual platform house

Well, it's out now for $24.95 - $5 off as an introductory offer.

So buy the windows version and use bootcamp.

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

So buy the windows version and use bootcamp.

Oh yeah, duh!

 

[gtff]

Thanks for the explanation Yuri. I think I understand now that I had a couple of homebrews. HAHA.

GTFF

 

[the_bird]

How does Beertools handle batch sparging? I don't see myself "graduating" to fly sparging anytime soon, which program handles this the best (doesn't seem to be ProMash...)

 

[sause]

Beer smith has that as one of the built in options. Which is nice.

 

[Dude]

How does Beertools handle batch sparging? I don't see myself "graduating" to fly sparging anytime soon, which program handles this the best (doesn't seem to be ProMash...)

bird, have you read this?

Promash batch sparging

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

bird, have you read this?

Promash batch sparging

Thanks Dude! I had been looking for that link!:rockin:

 

[the_bird]

Thanks!

I am kinda leaning toward BeerSmith, now. I do like the interface a little better, and I like that you don't have to back into the batch sparge number, it's all built in. Unless there's a compelling argument in favor of ProMash, I think I'm joining the BeerSmith camp.

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

I'd hold off until the beertools reviews start coming in Bird. It looks really hot.

 

[the_bird]

Well, I've got 21 days of free trial for BeerSmith, and I can keep using ProMash as long as I can live with not saving my work (that's why I'm posting all the details in my other thread).

If BeerTools will handle batch sparging without work-arounds and Dude recommends it, that'll be good enough for me.

 

[Cregar]

Silly question but how does BTP presnt the recipes, BA show it in a list of recipes which you can organize into folders.

 

[Beer Snob]

Well, I've got 21 days of free trial for BeerSmith, and I can keep using ProMash as long as I can live with not saving my work (that's why I'm posting all the details in my other thread).

If BeerTools will handle batch sparging without work-arounds and Dude recommends it, that'll be good enough for me.

This is the same for me. ProMash is great, but batch sparging with it is a pain in the A**. You go on thier site and it is clear that people have requested this feature time and time again.

BeerTools looks good. I'm just waiting for a confirmation that it Batch Sparges easily.

 

[Beer Snob]

Just found this.... going to look at it again. Not sure if it answers the batch sparge question though.... but looks good.

http://www.detroitgrillking.com/frosty/btp/

 

[Dude]

Regardin batch sparging in BeerTools--it sounds like the program can be used for batch sparging in the mash designer. I am at work for another hour, I'll play around with it this evening and see what I can tell you guys.

I've sent the admin over at BeerTools a PM--in hopes of getting him over here to maybe come over and tell us more about the product and possibly quell some concerns or answer questions. We'll see what happens.

 

[the_bird]

Thanks, Dude! Sounds like there's a bunch of us who are all set to buy, as long as our concerns are alleviated. Ought to be worth his while to give us a little bit of his time.

 

[Cregar]

I have said this before... wish there was a demo. I also like to try before I buy with software.

 

[Lathe poland]

Hello Everyone,

Feel free to ask me about BTP. I will look thru this discussion and try to answer some of your questions.

Lathe
BeerTools

 

[Dude]

Hello Everyone,

Feel free to ask me about BTP. I will look thru this discussion and try to answer some of your questions.

Lathe
BeerTools

Lathe, welcome to homebrewtalk! I was the one that PM'd jeff over at BT, I'm glad you stopped by.

I was one of the beta testers for BT Pro and I knew it was goign to be awesome from the very beginning. I know you guys worked pretty hard getting everythign ready to go. The only issues we've really hit on so far are batch sparging procedures (is it in the mash designer?) and a trial version. As far as a trial, can you guys do something like making a license key expire after a certain amount of days?

Is there going to be a step by step guide put out to help new users acclimate themselves?

 

[the_bird]

As you can probably pick up, BeerSnob and I are most concerned with how the program handles batch sparging.

I think all of us would love it if you guys could open the program up for a short-term trail so we can give it a test run.

 

[Lathe poland]

Dude,

Thanks for the invite.

The only issues we've really hit on so far are batch sparging procedures (is it in the mash designer?)

Yes, It does it. The easiest way to explain this is to post what one of our beta users mentioned about it.

"Saturday I set a double batch sparge session on my own and hit all my numbers +/- 0.5ºF and within a cup or two on the volumes. I was very happy with the results and I think I "get" the schedule tool now.

One thing I did that made this tool a bit more intuitive for me was to add a collect step (I called it "First Runnings") between the MashOut step and the first BatchSparge. This displayed my expected runoff volume from the MashIn+MashOut steps in the main schedule window, followed by the combined volumes following the subsequent batch sparges."

As far as a trial, can you guys do something like making a license key expire after a certain amount of days?

As for a trial version...
BTP is set up to do so, it would require some work in the store and the download managment system in the MyBeerTools tab. I'll keep you posted.

Let me know if you have anymore questions.
Lathe
BeerTools

 

[Beer Snob]

Dude,

Thanks for the invite.

Yes, It does it. The easiest way to explain this is to post what one of our beta users mentioned about it.

"Saturday I set a double batch sparge session on my own and hit all my numbers +/- 0.5ºF and within a cup or two on the volumes. I was very happy with the results and I think I "get" the schedule tool now.

One thing I did that made this tool a bit more intuitive for me was to add a collect step (I called it "First Runnings") between the MashOut step and the first BatchSparge. This displayed my expected runoff volume from the MashIn+MashOut steps in the main schedule window, followed by the combined volumes following the subsequent batch sparges."

Thanks for comming over. That answers my question. I am Michael Schaap by the way. I emailed you earlier today Thanks again. Going to get the plastic now

 

[sause]

One quick question, ok not quick. Does your software keep track of both of the mashes going on while doing a decontation mash? In other words does the mashing part of the software have the abilty to keep track of the main mash temp as well as the decontation part of the mash?

 

[Lathe poland]

Good question. The answer is yes and no. It does keep track of the temperature in both vessels, however, I believe the one thing it does not track is the heat loss from the mash tun during the decoction. I'll have to look into that.

Thanks,
Lathe
BeerTools

 

[Beer Snob]

So far so good. I brought in a ProMash recipe INSTANTLY. Just opened it up and it came right up.

Bill, you would love this program. It has a very visual method of keeping you in the brew style (one of your pet peeves I know )

 

[Brewing Clamper]

Wow! I'm impressed! Thanks Lathe for coming over and offering us your support. That makes me feel better about the software. I'm currently a promash use as most people around here, but after looking at the features on the site, I'd definitely consider switching!

 

[Brewing Clamper]

Oh, one more thing... any plans on making some of this software available on Palm OS or Pocket PC?