Question 1

How does the AI Bartender work?

Accepted Answer

The AI Bartender uses advanced language models to analyze every bottle on your virtual shelf, including the spirit type, flavor profile, and current fill level. Simply describe your mood, occasion, or flavor preference — like 'something refreshing with citrus' or 'a strong whiskey-forward nightcap' — and it generates a fully detailed cocktail recipe using only the ingredients you actually have at home. Each recipe includes precise measurements, step-by-step mixing instructions, and garnish suggestions. The AI learns from your past conversations and taste preferences over time, so recommendations become increasingly personalized. Whether you are a cocktail novice looking for simple highballs or an experienced home bartender experimenting with complex tiki drinks, the AI Bartender adapts to your skill level and inventory. Pro subscribers enjoy unlimited conversations, while Free users can try it with a limited number of exchanges.

Question 2

Can I back up my data?

Accepted Answer

Yes, BarShelf automatically syncs your entire collection to secure cloud servers in real time, so every bottle you add, every tasting note you write, and every rating you assign is saved instantly. On top of real-time sync, the system performs daily automatic backups as an extra safety net, ensuring your data is protected even in rare edge cases. If you switch from iPhone to Android, or upgrade to a new device, simply log in with your account and your full collection — including archived bottles, tasting notes, personal ratings, and AI Bartender conversation history — will be restored immediately. There is no manual export or import process needed, and no data limits on how much you can store. Your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols, so your collection remains private and secure at all times. You can focus on enjoying your spirits while BarShelf takes care of keeping everything safely backed up.

Question 3

What kind of spirits can I add?

Accepted Answer

BarShelf supports virtually every type of alcoholic beverage you can think of. The app ships with built-in categories for the most popular spirit families: Whisky, Bourbon, Scotch, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Mezcal, Vodka, Brandy, Cognac, Wine, and Beer. Beyond these defaults, you can create unlimited custom categories for anything else in your collection — think specialty liqueurs like Chartreuse or Amaro, bitters, vermouths, syrups, or even non-alcoholic mixers you want to track alongside your spirits. Each bottle entry supports detailed metadata including distillery, region, age statement, ABV, purchase price, purchase date, and a photo. You can also add personal tasting notes and ratings to every bottle, building a rich flavor diary over time. Whether you collect single malt Scotch, small-batch bourbon, natural wine, or craft gin, BarShelf adapts to your unique collection style and grows with you.

Question 4

What's the difference between Free and Pro?

Accepted Answer

The Free plan is a fully functional starting point that lets you manage up to 10 bottles on your beautifully designed digital shelf. You get access to the shelf UI with adjustable fill levels, tasting notes with Nose, Palate, and Finish fields, the bottle archive for finished bottles, and share card generation. Pro unlocks the complete BarShelf experience for serious collectors: unlimited bottle storage so your collection can grow without limits, unlimited AI Bartender conversations for personalized cocktail recipes anytime, advanced taste profile analysis that maps your flavor preferences over time, personalized cocktail recommendations based on your collection and palate, and priority customer support. Pro is available as a monthly subscription at $3.99/month or an annual plan at $39.99/year (saving roughly 17%), and both options include a 7-day free trial so you can explore everything risk-free.

Question 5

Which devices are supported?

Accepted Answer

BarShelf is available as a native app on both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android (phones and tablets), downloadable for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app is optimized for all screen sizes, from compact phones to large tablets, so your shelf looks stunning on any device. Your collection data syncs automatically across every device linked to your account in real time — add a bottle on your iPhone at a liquor store, and it appears instantly on your Android tablet at home. The app requires iOS 15 or later and Android 8.0 or later. BarShelf also works seamlessly on both Wi-Fi and cellular connections, and any changes made offline are automatically synced once you reconnect. A companion landing page at barshelfapp.com provides additional resources including cocktail blog posts and support documentation.

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