Alternative Uses for Beer Brewing Equipment

Craft brewing keeps growing in popularity and acceptance, with technology enhancing brewing equipment to make the process quicker and more accurate. While the primary purpose of such devices is to craft delectable beers, imaginative minds have found several alternative ways to employ these tools.

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These new implementations allow for the initial investment in quality equipment to expand its potential, offering different routes of operational development for craft businesses. Learning about the alternative uses for beer brewing equipment will help you use your instruments in unique ways and even develop additional income streams.

Artisanal Vinegar Making

Artisanal vinegar making not only diversifies the use of brewing equipment but also invites brewers to explore the rich tapestry of flavors through the fermentation process. By selecting different types of base ingredients, such as various wines, ciders, or even beers, you can craft vinegars that range in flavor from fruity and mild to robust and tangy.

The process of aging vinegar in barrels, particularly those previously used for brewing beers, can impart additional layers of complexity, introducing subtle notes of oak, smoke, or vanilla. This technique mirrors the aging process of fine wines or whiskies, underscoring the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating high-quality varieties of vinegar.

Craft Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The equipment used in brewing beer is perfectly suited for crafting non-alcoholic beverages as well. From root beer to artisanal sodas, you can repurpose the fermentation tanks and carbonation system in beer production for these delightful treats.

The use of beer keg cleaning equipment ensures that the vessels used for storage are immaculate, maintaining the purity and taste of these innovative drinks as they prevent cross-contamination. With the rise of health-conscious consumers and the demand for diverse beverage options, it&#;s important to expand your brewery&#;s offerings.

Cultivate Kombucha

Utilizing beer-brewing equipment to cultivate kombucha streamlines the production process and elevates the quality of the final product. Brewing systems offer precision control over temperature and environment, critical for kombucha fermentation.

They ensure the SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) develops optimally to yield a beverage with the right balance of sweetness and acidity. This controlled environment also minimizes the risk of contamination, a common issue in kombucha brewing that can lead to off-flavors or spoilage.

Essential Oil Extraction

The extraction of essential oils is another interesting alternative use for beer brewing equipment. A process primarily associated with beverage production has the chance to pivot to the realm of holistic health and wellness.

The distillation process for essential oils is like the ones used in spirit production, requiring careful temperature control to vaporize the volatile compounds without degrading them. This method allows you to explore the extraction of oils from a diverse range of plants, each offering unique benefits and fragrances.

The only limit to the versatility of beer brewing equipment is a lack of openness. These tools can also be the foundation for exploring new culinary territories, embracing sustainable practices, and even enhancing operational processes.

Brewhouses come in all shapes and sizes, and the right one for your brewery will depend on a variety of factors, including your production capacity, budget, and brewing style. However, there are key considerations to make when choosing the perfect size brewhouse for your brewery.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Size of Your Brewhouse

• What is your goal for annual production? Brewhouse Size = Annual Production / (# of Weekly Brews x Weeks Brewed Per Year)

• What is your business model? A brewpub with on-site consumption, a brewery with a taproom and no distribution, or a production brewery with a taproom and distribution?

• What space are you contributing to your brewhouse? Typically, max production is about 1BBL/year per square foot of production area.

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  How many times per day and per week are you planning to brew?

• How many fermenters are you looking to purchase? Are you planning to add additional tanks in the future?

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• How many beers will you have on tap? What will be the predominant style? Ales have shorter fermentation time than lagers. This will affect your vessel capacity.

• What is the ceiling height in the brewhouse? While some equipment can be custom-built for space, this may impact what your brewhouse can hold.

• What heat source do you want for your brewhouse? Do you have room for extra equipment (boiler, etc.)? Are you able to add flues/vents to the space? What is the electrical service?

The brewhouse is the workhorse of your business and a long-term investment. You don&#;t want to purchase a brewhouse that&#;s too small and find yourself maxed out before you've even started production, or vice versa. It&#;s important to think through your production capacity and long-term goals for your business before making your choice.

How to Calculate the Brewing Capacity You Need

To calculate brewing capacity, the first step is to determine the maximum batch size you want to produce.

Once you know your maximum batch size, you can use this formula to calculate the brewing capacity you need: (maximum batch size) x (number of batches per day) = (brewing capacity per day).

For example, if you want to brew a maximum batch size of 10 barrels and want to brew two times a day, your brewing capacity would be 20 barrels a day. Depending on your goal for brew days per year, this may suit your business plan, or you may want to scale up/down your system size.

The Most Popular Brewhouse Sizes

Brewhouses come in all shapes and sizes, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the perfect size. But we can give you a few pointers based on the most popular brewhouse sizes.

If you're just starting out, a 5 barrel or 7 barrel brewhouse might be a good option. These systems are small and affordable, and they're perfect for brewers who are just getting their feet wet. They are also available in different heating options, so can fit into a variety of different spaces and budgets.

If you're looking for something a little more capable, a 10 barrel or 15 barrel brewhouse might be a better fit. These systems offer more brewing capacity and allow you to experiment with more recipes.

And if you're looking to take your business to the next level, a 20 barrel or 30 barrel brewhouse might be the right choice. These systems are perfect for large-scale production and can handle high volumes of beer.

How to Upgrade Your Brewhouse as Your Brewery Grows

As your business grows, you may need to upgrade your brewhouse. But just as it is important to determine your goals and capacity when starting out, there are important factors to consider when looking to grow as well.

First, think about how much beer you want to be able to produce. If you're planning on scaling up your production, you'll need a larger brewhouse or additional vessels (whirlpool, HLT, etc). Second, consider how much space you have available. A larger brewhouse will require more room in your brewery. Third, think through your heating options. Larger scale brewhouses may need a different heating option to be most efficient, but that may require different permits and codes to follow.

Final Thoughts

When choosing the size of your brewhouse, there are many factors to consider. Your brewhouse should be big enough to handle the production you need, but not too big or expensive that it's beyond your budget.

Brewhouses come in all sizes and there are a number of different types of brewhouses, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Consider your space, your production, and your budget to decide which type of brewhouse is right for you.

If you want a more personal answer, connect with one of our brewery consultants at no cost. They can help walk you through available options for your brewery as you move from launch to growth to production brewing.

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