When researching the Pico C I saw a lot of posts on the Internet about problems either with the process or the machine itself. On the Internet you mostly just see people complain, not many people hit a forum when things are going well. They go there for help on a specific issue or something they aren't clear on or just to bitch about something. It's the nature of the Internet. I am one of the examples where I haven't had any machine problems or issues with any of the brews. Sure, I forgot to add dry hops to both the Black EYE PA and the Mosaic beer, but both still turned out very well. The machine itself has ben nothing short of stellar and everything I do on it works as designed. I have fermented in the brew keg, I have also fermented in better bottles. From now on I will be fermenting in the better bottles so I can brew a second or third batch while the first is fermenting. I also want to pick up a few more Torpedo kegs as having to finish one off before racking a new beer on top seems excessive when you have a triple tap kegerator.
One of the weaknesses I see with the Pico C over the Pico Pro is the serving keg. The one provided is difficult to clean, doesn't maintain carbonation well, and needs new plastic tops every batch or two. The Pro model uses a real keg for serving. Cost-wise though I think it's better to get a C and the torpedo kegs. If you have quick disconnects on your kegerator, that is the way to go.
I have enjoyed every brew that I have made on the Pico C. I haven't had any off flavors in any of the beers, the equipment is simple to clean. All of the instructions are built into the software on the display so it's hard not to get it right. A lot of people complain about the packs breaking. The first batch I did the pack broke slightly but still produced good beer. Haven't had a pack issue since the first either so maybe they are getting better with materials and design so they don't break. The other thing I really like abut this unit is that I can set it up in the basement in my workshop and plug it in and it just goes form there. I don't need to drag it to the kitchen or waste counter space on it.
What about the Zymatic? I've been brewing on the C because the brew day can be done with very little interaction or actual work. Pop a pack in, add water, go. The Zymatic that I have is now back up to speed thanks to the good folks at Pico. I had a cracked step filter that needed replacing and they sent me a new one within about a week. I went yesterday and bought ingredients for a NEIPA that I want to make, so that will be my next brew. This is a recipe created by someone else but tweaked a little by me to my liking. I still plan to brew on the Zymatic as long as the machine holds up. Look for an update on the NEIPA maybe next weekend when I get to brewing it.
I've been working on a logo for my brewery for a long time on and off. I need to find someone who can take my crayon drawing and make a digital piece of artwork that I can then use to be able to print it up on things. If anyone knows someone who can do this on the cheap, I am all ears. I don't believe it to be a complicated logo but then again I know nothing about graphic design.
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