Beer TORPS (Torpedoes) are pressurised modules that hold 2 litres of beer per canister, which is about eight glasses. They are used in the SUB mini kegerator by Krups, a premium draught beer appliance that works like a K-cup coffee machine.
In the US, TORPS were initially distributed by Hopsy, a Bay Area-based start-up that delivered craft beer-filled TORPS to local customers. However, Hopsy ceased operations in 2020.
You can now buy TORPS from SubTorps in Belgium, which offers free shipping for orders over $80.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Company | Hopsy |
Company Status | Ceased operation permanently in 2020 |
Company Location | Bay Area |
Company Business Model | Beer subscription service |
Beer Container | TORP (Torpedo) |
TORP Capacity | 2 liters |
Beer Temperature | 2 degrees Celsius |
Beer Freshness | 15 days after opening |
Beer Brands | Heineken, Affligem, Desperados, Birra Moretti Baffo d'Oro, and other seasonal beers |
Beer Price | $17.99 for a 67-fluid-ounce TORP |
What You'll Learn
Hopsy SUB TORPs are refillable
Step 1: Opening the TORP
At first glance, it may seem that a spent TORP cannot be refilled. To open it up, you will need to pop off the rotatable black collar found at the top of the TORP's neck, just below the spout tube. This collar guides the tube away from the neck and rotates to prevent the tube from getting tangled. Simply place your thumbs on the collar and push it out of the TORP neck – it should slide right off with a click. Next, take a small flat-head screwdriver or a seafood fork and carefully insert it between the white plastic cap and the TORP neck. Gently push the white cap up and rotate the tool so it is parallel with the TORP neck, continuing to push until the tube topper is exposed. Then, switch to the paddle end of the seafood fork and wedge it between the cap and the TORP neck, pushing the cap up until about 5mm of the tube topper is exposed. Finally, pull the white cap out of the TORP neck to remove the tube topper assembly – the TORP bottle should now be fully exposed.
Step 2: Rinsing and Drying the TORP
This step is important to ensure your TORP is clean before refilling. Blow air into the TORP until you cannot blow into it anymore to expand the beer bladder. Take this opportunity to thoroughly rinse the empty TORP and drain it completely. Make sure the bladder is fully inflated to ensure sufficient cleaning.
Step 3: Cleaning the Spout and Tube Assembly
To clean the spout and tube assembly, hold down the base of the spout and pull the spout away from the tube to open the valve. This will allow clean water to flow through the tube. To dry the assembly, hold it by the spout and spin the tube around – the centrifugal force will force the residual water out.
Step 4: Refilling the TORP
A TORP can hold approximately 64-67 oz. of beer. Take your empty growler to your local craft brewery and have it filled up. Then, place a food-safe funnel into the neck of the empty TORP and slowly pour the beer down into it. It is recommended to do this over the sink to minimize any mess. Re-assemble the TORP and load it into your SUB. Pull down on the tap handle for a second to pressurize the TORP, wait until the power button turns green, and your beer is ready to be poured and enjoyed!
Tips and Tricks
- To minimize foam when refilling your TORP, use a mini siphon to transfer beer from the bottom of the growler to the bottom of the TORP.
- To speed up the cooling process of a room temperature TORP, wrap the body of the TORP in a damp paper towel and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes before loading it into the SUB.
- To prevent infection of your beer, make sure to sanitize the TORP before refilling it.
- When refilling a TORP with primed homebrew, reduce the priming mixture by about 10% to prevent the torp from exploding.
- To reinflate the TORP bladder, insert the TORP backwards into the SUB and push it in using your hand – this will cause the pump to run and push air into the bladder.
- If you are subscribed to the Hopsy Beer Club, there is no need to reuse a TORP more than 5 times as replacement empty TORPs should be abundant.
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Hopsy delivers craft beer in 2-liter TORPs
Hopsy is a Bay Area-based start-up company that initially delivered craft beer in glass growlers to local customers. They have since changed their business model to integrate the SUB system by Krups into their service and product offerings.
Hopsy delivers beers in 2-liter plastic bottles, also known as TORPs, that work exclusively with the SUB system. The TORP is a plastic beer growler that works with the Krups SUB system, allowing the system to pressurize it by injecting the TORP with compressed air. This makes it easier to transport locally or across the country.
Hopsy offers a beer subscription service that allows subscribers to receive a set number of beer TORPs every month. The subscription can be postponed, changed, or canceled at any time.
Hopsy warehouses are located in San Francisco, San Diego, and New York. The company offers the SUB machine and a wide array of beers to choose from. They have a questionnaire to determine customer tastes, asking about preferences such as coffee, breakfast, and bread. After answering the questions, customers are assigned a personality type, such as "Hop Head," who loves bitter beer, or "Light Side," who leans towards lighter beers.
The Hopsy Beer Club is a group of monthly subscription members that form the core of Hopsy customers. Members receive four mini-kegs (torps) for $59.96 per month, with the option to schedule deliveries every 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Additional kegs can be purchased for $14.99 each. Subscribers save approximately 25% off the retail price, even on additional kegs ordered with an existing subscription.
Hopsy also offers local home delivery for $4.99, which is available to residents within selected zip codes in San Francisco and San Diego. They also offer in-store pickup exclusively for Albany and Ale Tales residents within 50 miles of the Hopsy store.
The company has expanded its list of brewing partners to over 50, including big names like Heineken and Birra Moretti. They have also introduced a marketing strategy that enables customers to "enjoy a beer box for $1 for every friend that buys a SUB." This strategy is based on a referral program where existing Hopsy SUB users refer the product to their friends, with the incentive of $59.96 in beer credit.
Overall, Hopsy provides a unique service that connects craft beer drinkers with breweries from across the nation, giving them the opportunity to try brews that were once inaccessible.
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Krups SUB mini kegerator works with TORPs
The Krups SUB mini kegerator is a sleek and stylish draft beer dispenser that fits on your kitchen countertop. It was designed by the highly acclaimed industrial designer Marc Newson and developed by Krups, the company behind the Nespresso coffee machine. The SUB is compatible with Hopsy's beer TORPS, which are 2L plastic bottles that work exclusively with the SUB system.
The SUB pressurizes the TORPS by injecting them with compressed air, and the beer stays fresh for up to 15 days. The SUB has a temperature indicator that turns green when the beer is ready to be served, which takes around 10 hours if the TORP and the appliance are at room temperature. It is important to note that the machine needs to be switched on all the time if there is a keg inside to maintain the correct pressure.
The SUB is easy to use and maintain. To load a TORP into the SUB, pull off the top of the TORP sleeve along the dotted line, then take off the cap and remove the tube. Push the tube into the opening of the TORP until you hear a "click," then slide the TORP into the cooling chamber of the SUB. Make sure the TORP is pushed completely to the end of the appliance. Open the tap cover and guide the tube into place, then snap the beer valve into position in the tap head. Close the tap cover and lock the SUB door, and leave it to chill.
To clean your SUB, unplug it and dry the exterior and interior with a soft cloth or sponge. Clean the recovery tank with hot, soapy water after each use, but do not immerse the product in water. Harsh detergents can damage the system, so these should be avoided.
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Heineken SUB chills beer to 2°C
Heineken SUB, a sleek beer dispenser designed by Marc Newson and built by Krups, promises to chill your beer to the optimal drinking temperature of 2°C. The SUB refills come in metal cylinders filled with beer, affectionately called "Torps" (short for torpedoes), which are loaded through a hatch below the tap. The SUB's pressurized aluminum appliance gets its name from its submarine-like appearance, and with its ability to chill beer to 2°C, it ensures your beer is colder than what your fridge can achieve.
The SUB is essentially an upgraded version of the tiny Heineken kegs already available in the market. However, since it can chill the beer itself, it frees up valuable space in your fridge. While the initial selection of beers for the SUB will be limited to Heineken and its affiliates, such as Desperados and Baffo D'Oro, the company plans to eventually offer other brands as well.
The Heineken SUB is ideal for any occasion, whether you're watching the football game, enjoying the Formula 1® race, or simply unwinding after a long day. With its ability to chill beer to a perfect 2°C, the SUB ensures you can enjoy pub-quality pints in the comfort of your own home.
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Hopsy offers a beer subscription service
Hopsy is a Bay Area-based start-up company that initially delivered craft beer-filled glass growlers to local customers. They have since changed their business model to focus solely on their beer subscription service, which integrates the SUB system by Krups.
Hopsy delivers beers in 2-litre plastic bottles, known as TORPs, that are exclusive to the SUB system. These TORPs can be delivered across the country and offer an impressive selection of beers, with new breweries signing up frequently. Hopsy rotates its beer offerings weekly, including seasonal favourites, featured and new brews. This allows craft beer drinkers to connect with breweries from across the nation and try brews that were previously inaccessible.
The Hopsy beer subscription service allows subscribers to receive a set number of beer TORPs every month. This subscription is flexible and can be postponed, changed or cancelled at any time. For those who are not yet Hopsy subscribers, there is an option to purchase the SUB system, two TORPs and two limited-edition Hopsy beer glasses for $60.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer torps can be purchased from Hopsy, a fledgling online marketplace and delivery service for fresh local craft beer.
Beer torps are priced at $17.99 for a 67-fluid-ounce container.
A beer torp holds 2 liters of beer per canister, which is about 8 glasses.
Beer torps can be ordered online and scheduled for delivery as late as the day before, from Tuesday through Saturday.