Starting a Brewery, How to Choose a Beer Equipment ...

29 Apr.,2024

 

Starting a Brewery, How to Choose a Beer Equipment ...

Starting a Brewery, How to Choose a Beer Equipment Manufacturer

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Beer brewing has been a popular activity for centuries, and it continues to grow in popularity as more and more people develop a taste for craft beers. If you're considering building a brewery, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right beer equipment manufacturer. This is a critical step because the quality of your equipment can affect the quality of your beer, and ultimately, the success of your brewery.

There are many factors to consider when selecting a beer equipment manufacturer, and it can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll discuss the key factors you should consider when choosing a beer equipment manufacturer, including the type of brewery you want to build, the manufacturer's reputation, the quality of their equipment, and their customer service and support.

Determine the Type of Brewery You Want to Build

Before you start looking for a beer equipment manufacturer, you need to determine the type of brewery you want to build. There are several different types of breweries, including microbreweries, brewpubs, and large-scale commercial breweries. Each type of brewery requires different equipment, and you need to choose a manufacturer that can provide the equipment that meets your needs.

If you're building a microbrewery or a brewpub, you'll need equipment that can produce smaller batches of beer. These breweries typically produce less than 15,000 barrels of beer per year and require equipment that can handle batches of around 10 barrels or less. You'll also need equipment for bottling or canning your beer, as well as a system for cleaning and sanitizing your equipment.

On the other hand, if you're building a large-scale commercial brewery, you'll need equipment that can produce much larger batches of beer. These breweries can produce hundreds of thousands of barrels of beer per year and require equipment that can handle batches of 50 barrels or more. You'll also need equipment for packaging and labeling your beer, as well as a more sophisticated system for cleaning and sanitizing your equipment.

Research the Manufacturer's Reputation

Once you've determined the type of brewery you want to build, you need to research the reputation of beer equipment manufacturers that specialize in the equipment you need. Start by talking to other brewers in the industry to get their recommendations. You can also read online reviews and visit the manufacturer's website to learn more about their products and services.

When researching manufacturers, pay attention to their experience and expertise in the industry. Look for a manufacturer that has a proven track record of producing high-quality equipment for breweries of your size and scale. You should also look for a manufacturer that uses the latest technology and materials to ensure that their equipment is reliable, durable, and efficient.

Evaluate the Quality of the Equipment

The quality of the equipment is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a beer equipment manufacturer. You need equipment that is reliable, durable, and easy to use. You also need equipment that can produce high-quality beer consistently and efficiently.

When evaluating the quality of the equipment, look for equipment that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. You should also look for equipment that is easy to clean and maintain, as this will help ensure the longevity of your equipment and the quality of your beer.

Another important factor to consider is the level of automation in the equipment. More automation can mean greater efficiency and consistency, but it can also mean a higher cost. You'll need to find a balance between automation and cost that works for your brewery.

Consider Customer Service and Support

Finally, you need to consider the customer service and support offered by the beer equipment manufacturer. When you purchase equipment from a manufacturer, you want to know that they will stand behind their products and provide you with the support you need to run your brewery effectively.

Look for a manufacturer that offers training and support fortheir equipment, including installation and setup, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance. You should also look for a manufacturer that offers warranties and guarantees on their equipment to protect your investment.

Get Quotes and Compare Prices

Finally, once you've identified a few beer equipment manufacturers that meet your criteria, you should get quotes and compare prices. This will help you find the manufacturer that offers the best value for your budget.

When comparing prices, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Look at the specific equipment and services included in each quote to ensure that you're getting an accurate comparison. You should also consider the cost of installation, shipping, and any other fees associated with the purchase.

It's important to note that the cheapest option may not always be the best option. While price is certainly an important consideration, it shouldn't be the only factor you consider when choosing a beer equipment manufacturer. You should always prioritize quality, reliability, and customer service over price.

If you are planning to open a brewery. TIANTAI BrewTech could help you answer your questions and supply the brewery equipment system. We supply 2-150bbl complete beer brewing brewery equipment system including malt milling equipment, brewhouse equipment, fermenters, brite beer tanks, beer bottling machine,beer canning machine, beer kegging machine, hopping machine, yeast propagation equipment. We also supply all auxiliary brewery systems like steam heating pipe and valves, water treatment, filter, air compressor etc. Everything in brewery are all in our list.

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Homebrewing FAQs

I’ve compiled a living list of quick-hit questions and answers I’m either frequently asked or I’ve come across in various brewing forums. Many of these items are questions I searched for when I was first starting out. I’m hoping this helps displace myths and offers some guidance for beginners.

If there’s something you think should be added to this list, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

I’m brand new to homebrewing. Where do I start?

Start small and get a feel for the hobby before investing a lot of money. You can start with small 2-gallon batches on the stovetop and a really simple homebrewing starter kit. One of the best books to read is How To Brew by John Palmer. This is considered the homebrewing bible. The r/homebrewing subreddit and homebrewtalk.com are fantastic communities to explore. I especially love Reddit.

Another favorite resource of mine is brulosophy.com, which is perfect for intermediate and advanced brewers looking to experiment. You can also read my getting started post for a quick primer.

As you scale up in batch size, you’ll need a more powerful heating source to boil larger volumes of wort. This is where larger kettles and burners can increase starting costs.

Is homebrewing illegal?

No! Thanks to President Jimmy Carter, homebrewing is now legal in 50 US states.

Can I legally sell my homebrew?

In short, no. Selling homebrew requires a commercial license and various legal hoops to jump through. Technically speaking, homebrewing is legal for personal consumption only.

Is homebrewing expensive?

It doesn’t have to be. Homebrewers can get started homebrewing with minimal investment. A typical starter setup ranges from $50-$100 depending on batch size and packaging. I would recommend starting with extract brewing and bottling and building up from there. Once you get into kegging homebrew, costs start to build up.

Can I save money brewing my own beer?

Honestly…probably not. Brewing equipment and ingredients are expensive….especially when purchased in small quantities. Some brewers MAY be able to get great value out of their brewing endeavors, but most spend far more on equipment to truly justify any real cost savings. This hobby is about the joy of crafting your very own beer.

Is homebrew as good as commercial beer?

It’s surprisingly easy to make exceptional beer right at home. Assuming you have the right equipment and process, you can
make beer that competes with the top commercial breweries. Learn more on here on making better homebrew.

What are the primary ingredients in beer?

Beer is made with water, grains, hops, and yeast.

What’s the difference between extract and all-grain brewing?

In all-grain brewing, the brewer uses crushed malted grains and mashes with very hot water to convert starches into fermentable sugars (wort). In extract brewing, this process has already been done for the brewer and is added to hot water in syrup or powdered form. Both methods are the same from the boil stage onward. The best comparison is making a cake from scratch versus from a box mix. Get a more in-depth overview here.

How long does it take to brew beer?

This question is largely dependent on beer style, method, and process. A typical brew day can last anywhere from 3-6 hours depending on equipment and process. Fermentation, carbonation, and conditioning typically take 2-3 weeks. My typical turnaround time from yeast pitch to pour is about 3 weeks. If you’re bottle conditioning, it’s likely closer to 4 weeks.

How long does beer take to ferment?

Most ales fermented under optimal conditions ferment in 3-5 days. Secondary fermentation or the yeast cleanup phase can last another 2-3 days. This is when yeast byproducts are cleaned up for better-tasting beer. As a rule of thumb, most batches need 10-14 days to fully mature.

Do I need a secondary fermenter?

Absolutely not. I never use a secondary fermenter and always keep transfers to a minimum. There is no risk in keeping your beer on the yeast cake/trub for a few weeks. Admittedly, it’s easier to bottle from a dedicated bottling bucket but it’s not always necessary. Here’s why I ditched the secondary fermenter.

Do I need to cold crash my beer?

Cold crashing beer is a great way to settle yeast, hops, and sediment stuck in suspension. It’s a vital part of beer clarification and also makes transfers easier. It also ensures less trub ends up in your kegs or bottles. I always cold crash my beers. Learn more on cold crashing and why it’s so important here.

Do I have to rehydrate dry yeast?

Goto YME to know more.

No. Dry yeast is very easy to work with and can be pitched directly into the fermenter. Most dry yeast does not require wort oxygenation prior to pitching.

What’s the difference between cleaning and sanitization?

Cleaning removes build-up and residue and sanitization kills unwanted bacteria and wild yeast. Both cleaning and sanitization are critical for success. I clean both hot and cold side equipment with powdered brewery wash and then sanitize (Star-San) anything that comes in contact with my beer after the boil (cold side). All equipment should be cleaned but not all equipment requires sanitization.

When in doubt, over-clean and over-sanitize your equipment. Clean equipment means cleaner tasting beer and less risk of infection. Never use dish soap on brewing equipment.

Why is my beer not fermenting/is my fermentation stuck?

Stuck fermentations are very rare. Assuming you pitched enough healthy yeast into fermentable wort, your beer is likely fine. Some fermentations may take 24-72 hours to show signs of active fermentation. This is known as the yeast lag phase. In all my years of homebrewing, I’ve never had a stalled or stuck fermentation. Always ensure you’re fermenting at recommended strain temperatures. In my experience, most beers take 12-24 hours to show signs of fermentation.

1. Ensure your wort is not too cold. 2. Ensure the yeast you pitched is fresh and viable. This is usually labeled on the package. When in doubt overpitch or make a yeast starter. 3. Repitch more yeast if all else fails.

My airlock is not bubbling.

I’ve had beers fully ferment without showing any airlock activity. The biggest culprit here is a leaky fermenter. Yeast produces CO2 during fermentation, sometimes this CO2 can escape through a fermenter lid or gromet, bypassing the airlock.

How do I check specific gravity?

Specific gravity is the process of measuring sugars in wort. Using both original gravity (OG) and final gravity (FG), you can calculate alcohol by volume (ABV) in your homebrew. To do so, you need to invest in a hydrometer. You can also use a refractometer, but this device will only work for measuring specific gravity prior to fermentation.

A hydrometer is used to measure sugar in wort BEFORE fermentation (OG) and then again AFTER fermentation has completed (FG). The yeast consumes fermentable sugars in the wort, converting it to alcohol, leaving less sugar behind.

Can I use a refractometer for calculating final gravity?

As a best practice, a refractometer should only be used for calculating specific gravity prior to fermentation. This tool is great for taking various data points throughout the hot side process. The presence of alcohol will distort a refractometer’s readings, rendering it inaccurate. There are refractometer alcohol correction calculators out there, but I would not rely on them for accuracy.

Is my beer finished fermenting?

When in doubt, give it 10 days to fully ferment. It’s best to have a sense of where your beer SHOULD finish in terms of specific gravity (check your recipe kit). This will help you easily determine if your beer is done. If you’re unsure, take 3 gravity readings 3 days apart with your hydrometer. If your gravity readings remain unchanged, your beer is likely done. I would not start this process until days 6-7.

Where should I store yeast?

Dry yeast can be stored in a cool dry environment, unrefrigerated, for up to a year. Liquid yeast should remain refrigerated and is best used within a few months of purchasing. Always check the printed yeast viability date. Liquid versus dry yeast.

How should I store hops?

Hops should be kept in the freezer in airtight containers that are ideally vacuumed sealed and away from any light. Learn more on hop storage here.

Do I need a conical fermenter to make good beer?

No, you can make great beer in a plastic bucket. A conical fermenter helps with process control and more advanced styles and processes of beer. Conical fermenters come in handy when brewing hop-forward IPAs or lagers. You can learn more about my thoughts on conicals here.

My bottles are gushing/over-carbonated.

This is likely due to too much priming sugar added during bottling. You want to ensure you add the recommended amount of corn sugar and mix well to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the beer. Most bottled beers require 10 days to carbonate and condition in the bottle.

Furthermore, if you bottle your beer too soon, it could result in continued fermentation inside the bottle. This would create bottle bombs. The other culprit is infection. This is harder to identify from afar but you’ll need to look at your cleaning and sanitization.

Do I need to make a yeast starter?

It depends. The purpose of a yeast starter is to increase cell count in your yeast. It’s a great way to scale up your batch of yeast and save some money rather than buying multiple packs/pouches. Use brewing software or a yeast calculator to ensure you’re pitching enough yeast. Chances are, you’re likely pitching less than you should. A healthy pitch ensures a strong healthy fermentation. For simplicity, I tend to lean towards pitching multiple pouches rather than creating yeast. starters. Yeast starter help.

What is yeast attenuation and flocculation?

To oversimplify, attenuation is a measurement of a strain’s ability to ferment wort under specific circumstances. Higher attenuating strains will convert more sugars into alcohol in the same wort than lower attenuating strains. Attenuation is reflected as a percentage, meaning the percentage of sugars in the wort that will be converted into alcohol. These numbers are usually listed as a range and are dependent on a variety of factors. You can understand the power of attenuation by reading my 5 yeast experiments.

Flocculation describes the yeast’s tendency to stay in suspension during the course of fermentation. As yeast flocculates, it clumps/binds together, becomes heavier, and falls to the bottom of the fermenter. High flocculating strains clump together more rapidly and readily, resulting in clearer, brighter beers, while lower flocculating strains result in hazier beers because they stay in suspension longer, even after fermentation has concluded. Lower flocculating strains will convert more sugars into alcohol than higher flocculating strains.

Is liquid yeast superior to dry yeast?

No! Dry and liquid yeast can both yield exceptional results. The only reason I will use liquid over dry is for yeast availability. It used to be true that there were far more liquid strains available to homebrewers, but that has changed greatly over the past 10 years. Liquid versus dry yeast.

Do I need to aerate wort?

It depends on whether you’re using liquid or dry yeast. Yeast needs oxygen to do its job well. Oxygenating wort via agitation or with pure oxygen is the two most popular means of aeration. Dry yeast is believed to not benefit from aerating since the necessary nutrients are prepackaged with the yeast. As a rule of thumb, always aerate when using liquid yeast and check with the manufacturer when it comes to using dry yeast. More info on wort aeration can be found here.

Why does my beer taste yeasty or estery?

There are several common off-flavors that can ruin a batch of beer. The most common problem with homebrewed beer is failing to control fermentation temperature. If your beer ferments too hot, it’s going to introduce several unfixable off-flavors into the final product. Yeast produces more esters at hotter temps. Underpitching is another major culprit. Improve your homebrew.

Is electric brewing more expensive than propane or gas brewing?

Electric brewing is not as expensive as you may think, however, it’s a little more complicated than placing a kettle on a turkey burner. Depending on your setup, you may need an electrician to hook up a 220v outlet/breaker, which can be costly. A lot of electric brewers end up brewing indoors, which comes with other cost considerations to account for steam mitigation. Induction brewing is a more budget-friendly approach to electric brewing. Electric brewing will likely come with more upfront costs however you’ll save on propane costs over time. More details on why I love electric brewing here.

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