Nano Brewery: Build or Buy?

[Mischief_Brewing]

The control I was talking about, was more on recipes, brewing process, and timing. Thanks again though for the advice. It always helps to have people keep you in check.

You don't lose much, if any of that by contract brewing. Basically, you just use an established brewery's equipment. Yes, they will be there to protect their equipment, but recipes and the process will be all you. The only limitation is fitting into their schedule...

Do some research on Schmaltz brewing out of Brooklyn, he's been pretty successful and only contract brews. I'm not a fan of his recipes personally, but he's very consistent...

 

[Brewmoor]

I will need to do more research. I was under the impression contract brewing meant you gave them a recipe and they pump it out like a Chinese factory. I did not realize it could mean you using their equipment.

 

[Skubic448]

Contract vs. Alternating Proprietorship

Contract = Give them recipe & let them brew it

AP = You brew on their system

 

[Brewmoor]

Thanks for that.

My plans have changed significantly since this post. We are starting through the process now. We have incorporated, came up with logos, and are working on a website. Our business plan has changed several times but I think we have a solid vision laid out.

We are going to purchase a 7 barrel system for the tap room. We are also going to have a homebrew shop on premise too. We have decided further growth from there will be distribution if there is enough interest. We will then seek contract brewers to help us down that road when the time comes. We are going to work in steps laid out by the business plan, and take things slow. It is all coming together slow and steady.

 

[shanecb]

Any updates??? Are you still chugging along in the process?

 

[DrawTap88]

Must be the time that he's getting busy. Along those lines, a brewery attached to a homebrew shop has worked out well for Two Brothers Brewing Co. They have just recently gotten into a local chain of grocery stores.

 

[Phunhog]

I know Bonfire Brewing is on Facebook...I get lots of updates. It seems like they are moving right along.

 

[Brewmoor]

Hey guys thanks for the interest. Yes we have a facebook page. Here

I have been pretty busy getting things together. I decided to build a system. I am using 55 gallon stainless drums. I am doing a double batch system. 2 mash tuns, 2 boil kettles so i can do about 3 bbl batches. We purchased 130 gallon fermenters from Glacier tanks. Right now my barrels are getting fittings welded into them. As soon as they are back I will start the build out and post a build thread.

We hope to have building permits next week for the interior of the building. I am doing most of the general construction myself. I will do much of the electrical and my neighbor will help and pull the permit. Plumbing is the only thing we are struggling with at the moment. Can't seem to find the "bro" deal yet for that. Right now our quotes are coming in pretty high. So that is our next hurdle.

All paperwork is in with the TTB and the state. We are now just playing the waiting game on that front. We call them every week to make sure they don't need anything more from us. Overall things are moving along. If all goes well we should be opening the doors in November before the ski season starts.

 

[strabley]

Hey guys,

Long time reader, first time poster. I have been thinking about trying to build an super efficient, super economical nano brewery recently and had a question about all grain on a large scale and using food grade plastics over SS. Really what I would like to do is to set up a gravity feed system using stackable 70 gallon tanks (ala http://www.gototanks.com/ST-0070-ST.aspx).

What are some things that should be of concern? Is there a reason why not to use plastics? I understand that they will take on characteristics of they contain but would proper cleaning / sanitizing not take care of this problem?

Sorry if this is a weak question but I have never used plastic and the thought of setting up a handful of 70gal lines for pennies compared to SS is very intriguing to me.

Thanks,

Daniel

On deck right now: Amarillo Power Wheat & Vals Wicked Cherry

 

[samc]

I've used plastics with success. I am not sure about the shape of those tanks however as they would be more difficult to clean than a straight sided conical or cone bottom tank.

 

[strabley]

I almost think that the shape of these, tho would be a pain in the ass to clean would catch sediment very well. There would be some engineering that would need to be done tho.

 

[RyanKipp]

I'd be afraid of plastics in commercial use. They will scratch and eventually harbor bacteria. Most will be prone to oxidation, obvioiusly they'll have to be stored in a walk-in cooler.. doesn't seem practical to me. I'm in the UC Davis brewing program now, and I'm looking into starting a small operation myself soon, less than 3 barrels. I'm not saying I know everything about brewing but when I cam across that link at the beginning of this thread I didn't think those white conicals looked smart to use. I don't get why everyone is so afraid to start small. I figure get the locals involved in your beer, sell to bars, restaurants and pubs, keep in contact and let them know when you have beer available. It all depends on the customer relationships. Also I'm thinking about casking most of my stuff in one off bartop gravity casks. No dealing with empty tap handles etc.. Aiming for a superpremium local brand attitude. Any suggestions or chatting would be great. New to this site today!

 

[Apoxbrew]

any updates? this is a cool thread to follow. makes one dream...

 

[BIGREDIOWAN]

Well there is a website up now with the types of beer they sell and pictures of the business. http://bonfirebrewing.com/

I hope everything is going well for these guys, I think all of us as home brewers would love to think we could do something like this someday.

 

[Driller]

Check out this thread for my nano brewery build.


https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/aussie-brewery-build-248072/

 

[Newtybar]

Well there is a website up now with the types of beer they sell and pictures of the business. http://bonfirebrewing.com/

I hope everything is going well for these guys, I think all of us as home brewers would love to think we could do something like this someday.

Seems like they are doing big things.