[Beer Monger]

I've never used any, but I'm thinking about checking out brewing software to see what it can offer me.

Suggestions for a good program/good place to start?

Are the paid programs worth it or are the free ones just as good?

Thanks!   

[bluesman]

There a few really good ones. I finally settled with beersmith. I have to say that it works well and gives me everything I need to get through my brew sessions.

[timberati]

If you run straight Mac OS X (no Boot Camp), there is currently only one choice: BeerAlchemy. BeerSmith is developing a Mac version but it wasn't out as of a few days ago.

I run BeerAlchemy ($30 registration) and like it (though I can't compare it to others). It has a sync feature so that I can have my recipes, batches, ingredient lists, and calculators on my iPhone (I don't know if they have a version that runs on Android OS). On the down side, BA doesn't load xml recipe files (it claims it does but every xml file I've attempted failed). It does import .rec recipes, with some tweaking.


For smart phones, Sparge Pal is free and has some nice features.

Good luck with the search.

[Beer Monger]

I'm PC, but thanks for the info. 

[Pawtucket Patriot]

I've been using BeerTools Pro exclusively for the past several years. There are both Mac and PC versions.

ProMash, BeerSmith, BeerTools, etc. are all powerful apps. It really comes down to which one is most intuitive to you. These programs all have free demos. Check em out and decide for yourself.

[BarleynYeast]

I have 50 + batches with Beersmith with no complaints.
It also has a 21 day free trial. http://www.beersmith.com/

[a10t2]

If you run straight Mac OS X (no Boot Camp), there is currently only one choice: BeerAlchemy.

What about BeerTools Pro, QBrew, Brew Target? Granted that was from memory, so I'm probably forgetting some.

beer_monger, did you try a search? This has been covered many times:
http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=406.0
http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=6413.0
http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=4825.0

[Beer Monger]

OK.  Time to go get a few trial versions & see which I like.  Thanks guys.

[Tim McManus]

On the down side, BA doesn't load xml recipe files (it claims it does but every xml file I've attempted failed).

It can but you have to export one recipe per XML file or else it'll fail.  I tried to batch export from Beersmith to BeerAlchemy and it only worked when I exported one recipe at a time.

[theDarkSide]

Another Beersmith ( and former Promash ) user here.  If you do go with Beersmith, you may want to ask them what the policy is on upgrading.  He is due to release a new version soon ( I hope ) and it would suck if you had to pay to upgrade shortly after paying for the current version.

[denny]

I've been a Promash user for 13 years.  I absolutely love it.

[Beer Monger]

Another Beersmith ( and former Promash ) user here.  If you do go with Beersmith, you may want to ask them what the policy is on upgrading.  He is due to release a new version soon ( I hope ) and it would suck if you had to pay to upgrade shortly after paying for the current version.

Thanks for that info!  I'll definitely check.

[colinhayes]

Another Beersmith ( and former Promash ) user here.  If you do go with Beersmith, you may want to ask them what the policy is on upgrading.  He is due to release a new version soon ( I hope ) and it would suck if you had to pay to upgrade shortly after paying for the current version.

I emailed Brad earlier this month, and he confirmed that if you purchase now, the upgrade price will be reduced... didn't specify by how much, though.

[Beer Monger]

Another Beersmith ( and former Promash ) user here.  If you do go with Beersmith, you may want to ask them what the policy is on upgrading.  He is due to release a new version soon ( I hope ) and it would suck if you had to pay to upgrade shortly after paying for the current version.

I emailed Brad earlier this month, and he confirmed that if you purchase now, the upgrade price will be reduced... didn't specify by how much, though.

I emailed Jeffrey Donovan about it (listed on the software's website) - so I'll post back when I get a response...

[gordonstrong]

Another Beersmith ( and former Promash ) user here.  If you do go with Beersmith, you may want to ask them what the policy is on upgrading.  He is due to release a new version soon ( I hope ) and it would suck if you had to pay to upgrade shortly after paying for the current version.

I emailed Brad earlier this month, and he confirmed that if you purchase now, the upgrade price will be reduced... didn't specify by how much, though.

I emailed Jeffrey Donovan about it (listed on the software's website) - so I'll post back when I get a response...

Good luck with that...