Sonic
Chip Technology That Enhances Beer….
© 2017 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
This month’s column features a form of technology that
can enhance the flavor of bottled or canned beer right in your home. It’s a
technology that incorporates the use of small chips in the form of Sonic Wave
Oscillators. These oscillators generate various inaudible sound waves that when
applied to beer, in the final pouring process, creates an entirely improved
flavor that likens or surpasses that of true tap style beer beverages. Sound
Complicated? Not really, I’ll keep it simple!
In 2015, two friends, Philip Petracca and David
McDonald, began the process of applying technology found in a standard
household appliance used in Philip’s ill son’s bedroom to improve the taste of
containerized beer. Being avid beer connoisseurs they had a passion and their
FIZZICS system was developed. Marketing soon followed that year with the help
of ABC TV Sharks Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban.
The FIZZICS “Original” and the “Waytap” are designed
to fit on your countertop or bar. The “Original” accommodates any size bottle
or can up to 64ozs. The “Waytap” was designed as more of a transportable unit
and accommodates 12-25oz cans and 12oz bottles. It also has a 10oz pour-stop
feature. While tapping the pour, the pour will stop at a 10oz pour allowing the
remaining 2ozs for the sonic treated head process. This is a nice feature, but
only works with 12oz containers. Carrying cases are also available for both
models. Four standard AA batteries power both models, enough for about 100
pours. There is no gas of any kind required. Operation is simple. Place the
beer container in the unit and securely lock down the cover or housing. Pull the
tap lever forward leaving about 2ozs remaining unfilled in the glass.
(TIP: Always
pour the first pour at a 45° angle so the beer flows down the side of the
glass. This minimizes the amount of the natural head. When pouring the final
pour, tap pushed in reverse, keep the glass straight thus allowing for the
sonically processed head to complete the two-step process for maximum enjoyment.)
Push back the tap lever to dispense the processed head,
which is automatically subjected to the Sonic Wave process.
(TIP: Pouring
the head may take a few seconds before you see a flow. You will hear a sound of
liquid flowing & gurgitation prior to seeing the head being dispensed. This
is normal.)
Walla, you have poured your masterpiece!
I found that both FIZZICS models work well with most
brews, but not all. The taste is a big improvement over normal containerized
beer.
Regular packaged beer heads have a weak foaming appearance with lots of
air pockets, while the FIZZICS head is solid in appearance and to the taste. Cleaning
is simple and should be done when your enjoyment is over or when pouring
different beer styles. Simply place a container of warm water in the chamber,
lock down the housing and pour into a glass using both pouring steps just like
you would if it were beer. Wipe out the interior if finished for the day and
then leave the container open allowing for airing out. The exterior and rubber
pad can now be wiped down. There is no question, the FIZZICS system works!
Available at retail and on line. Worldwide distribution is in the works, but
Amazon USA does ship overseas. Additional models with additional features are
being considered and may be offered in early 2018.
(TIP: The
FIZZICS units are designed for CO2
(Carbon Dioxide) and some N2 (Nitrogen)
beer beverages. They are not designed to work with any other type of beverage.
Beers such as Guinness that use Nitrogen should also be fully poured with the two-step
process. If you attempt to use only a portion and later pour the remainder in
the container, the beer will be flat. Tap beer from some other source and beer
in a non-beer container should never be used.)
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: (Original) $169.00 ~ (Waytap)
$129.00 ~ Travel Cases $35.00
Glasses in various sizes and
styles with pre-marked fills are also available.
Graphic
credits: Fizzics & Google Images
Bob
Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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