Introducing a revolutionary new way to enjoy beer tastings! Resurgence Brewing in Buffalo, NY has created a better solution for the classic taster tray. With the help of owner Jeff Ware and his crew, the new clear-cut taster tray provides a totally new experience to beer connoisseurs. Sample the newest craft brews while experiencing the bold tastes and aromas as they were meant to be. Come on down and discover why this new taster tray is making waves throughout the beer scene!
Beer is an age-old beverage and there are numerous ways to enjoy it. For beer lovers, the ultimate result of the brewing process should have a good flavor and great taste. One popular way to sample the different brews and craft varieties is to try beer taster trays. But what about the trays themselves? Looking for a better solution for their old wooden beer paddles, Buffalo, N.Y.-based Resurgence Brewing owner Jeff Ware and crew set out to build a better taster tray.
Most craft breweries offer beer taster trays, which use paddles, squares, or even paddles and squares cut together to hold three or four four-ounce glasses of draft beer. Pros: the design is simple and low cost, relatively durable, and adds an old-fashioned look to the tasting experience. Cons: The wood paddles can be difficult to keep clean, wooden pieces can splinter and can also be a bit heavy to carry around.
In steps Resurgence Brewing’s owner, Jeff Ware, and his team, who sought to create the perfect taster tray. Initial designs included laser-cut acryloic designs, etched glass squares and paddles, to offer a better solution. Providing an aesthetically pleasing, lighter and easier to clean tray, their design process was rooted in innovation and craftsmanship. Not only did their inventive ideas find successful implementation, but also resulted in an eye-catching piece of craftsmanship.
Design parameters for the taster tray included:
Using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and a laser cutting machine, Resurgence crafted their ideal taster tray. The design incorporated an angled outward tray that includes an inner surface with wave-cut features, as well as a handle in the center of the tray so patrons can easily transport and hold their glasses.
With a vision of the tray in hand and the CAD files set, the team retrofitted an old printing press to accommodate their materials and needs. Resurgence settled on a clear acrylic for the taster trays and 2.5-millimeter sheet for the wave-cut pattern and other details. From there, the design was tested for practicality and usability. Through multiple prototypes, the final design was developed and produced.
The team at Resurgence Brewing continued to refine the design by using different types of materials and designs, settling on their current design that has proven to be aesthetically pleasing, lightweight and easy to clean. Using their creativity and the laser cutting machine, they were able to produce a variety of designs that allowed for flexibility and personalization for their customers. Customers can pick from plain and clear designs to intricate ones with customized logos. For example, their current designs include the “Suns Out Buns Out” which is widely popular.
After countless hours of designing, testing and refining the taster tray, Resurgence Brewing was able to produce a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing and durable tray that has been met with rave reviews. Here is a list of the features of their taster tray: