About this site
About Proof of Concept
Proof of Concept is a publication about what happens when artificial intelligence meets craft drinks production. Written by Robert Berry, it covers real tools, real experiments, and honest outcomes from someone who operates on both sides of the divide.
Who writes this
Robert Berry is co-founder of Asterley Bros, a London-based premium aperitivo company producing vermouth, amaro and fernet from their production space in South London. The team of six makes small-batch, botanically complex spirits using traditional production methods.
Robert is also co-founder of Absolution Labs, an AI automation consultancy that works with small and medium drinks businesses on implementing artificial intelligence systems for production, operations, and go-to-market.
This dual perspective, maker and technologist, producer and consultant, is what shapes the writing here. Every post comes from direct experience building and using these tools on real products with real commercial consequences.
What you will find here
- Build Logs detailing how AI systems are built and deployed in drinks production, from recipe formulation engines to demand forecasting tools.
- Quick Pours offering focused takes on specific tools, trends, or decisions in the AI and drinks space.
- Deep Dives exploring broader questions about where craft production and technology intersect.
- Tasting Notes reviewing AI tools the way you would review a spirit: what it does well, where it falls short, and whether it earns its place on the shelf.
The companies
Asterley Bros produces premium vermouth, amaro and fernet in South London. Founded by Robert Berry and his co-founder, the company focuses on botanically complex aperitivo spirits made using traditional maceration and blending techniques.
Absolution Labs is an AI automation consultancy for drinks SMEs. The consultancy helps small and medium producers implement AI tools for batch analysis, recipe development, demand forecasting, customer insight, content creation, and operational automation.
Contact
For questions about the blog, Asterley Bros, or Absolution Labs, reach out via asterleybros.com or absolutionlabs.com.