Pernod Ricard Opn Promises A Future Of Tech Assisted Whiskey Cocktails

Could the future of whiskey cocktail making at home be assisted through advanced technology? It is something spirits giant Pernod Ricard is betting on with the recent unveiling of Opn, a super futuristic gadget designed to blend computer smarts with your favorite spirits. Whether or not consumers will turn to it over web research or reading cocktail books however remains to be seen.

The Pernod Ricard Opn, originally unveiled in 2014 under the name Project Gutenberg, is a multi-component device and platform which theoretically will help consumers like you and I learn “and customize cocktail recipes, adapting them to available ingredients. Coaching features guide through the spectrum of recipes and techniques to help build skills, for cocktail classics and more elaborate concoctions.” As for the specifics of how this breaks down, here are the elements of it per its maker:

1 — THE OPN CARTRIDGE: AN INNOVATIVE CONTAINER, COMPLETELY REPLACING THE BOTTLE

The Cartridge is a disruptive, efficient design, space-optimized to be unobtrusive, whilst still holding the standard 70cl of spirit. Its integrated tech also enables it to communicate with the rest of the Opn system. A future design classic, the sleek Cartridge effortlessly blends into any home, with a clean, contemporary look that will appeal to a multitude of tastes, and compliment numerous design styles.

2 — THE OPN TRAY: AN INTELLIGENT CARTRIDGE-HOUSING DOCK STATION

The intelligent tray unit interacts with the Cartridges, releasing measures through a pour application, helping the consumer achieve the perfect mix. The tray also monitors spirit levels whilst informing the rest of the system on what cocktails can be made, with what’s currently available.

3 — THE OPN APPLICATION: THE HEART OF THE ECOSYSTEM

With a database of more than 300 cocktail recipes, created by top mixologists from around the globe, the core application opens up the world of cocktail-making for exploration, whilst its easily understood, step-by-step instructions help the user prepare a variety of mixes. As more recipes are learned and mastered, it encourages independent experimentation and customization of recipes. The application also ensures users have everything they need, by putting together shopping lists and placing cartridge orders. It even helps design event invitations, meaning every detail of social events is covered.

4 — THE OPN WEBSITE: UNRIVALLED EDITORIAL CONTENT ABOUT HOSTING AT HOME

The website features articles and films that share the stories and personal experiences of hosts around the world, who love entertaining at home. Whatever the scale, Opn’s friends and experts share their insights and advice on hosting and how to create a social gathering to remember.

As one can see from the information above, this is a pretty in-depth and comprehensive attempt to use technology in helping you design and craft home cocktails. Though no price has been mentioned, it is going to likely be an expensive offering for most. Plans currently call for it to be released sometime next year, and in the meanwhile it will undergo a further year of tests and trials with a select group of individuals in Paris, France.

“We are utterly committed to developing the future of entertaining at home: an experience that is connected, engaging, tailored and responsible,” says Alain Dufossé, Managing Director of the Breakthrough Innovation Group (BIG) at Pernod Ricard, in a prepared statement. “With Opn, our goal is to make it easier to enjoy meaningful moments of convivialité at home.”