Brewery Setup Blog

Craft beer has taken the world by storm, and the demand for high-quality brews is only growing. More and more breweries are popping up every year. However, brewing on a commercial scale requires specialized equipment to meet production demands. In this article, we will provide an overview of the types of commercial brewing equipment and their functions.

Milling Equipment

Before any brewing can be done, the grain used in the process needs to be milled into a fine grist. Milling equipment grinds the grain, which creates a consistent size and texture for optimal brewing. Milling equipment varies in size and capacity, with some mills capable of processing over 10,000 pounds of grain per hour.

Brewhouse Equipment

Brewhouse equipment is the heart of the brewing process. It includes various components, such as mash tuns, lauter tuns, brew kettles and whirlpool tanks, that work together to convert grist into wort. The process begins by mixing grist with water in a hydrator of a mash tun. After a set time, the mixture is transferred to the lauter tun, where it is separated into liquid wort and spent grain. The wort is then boiled in a brew kettle, with hops and other ingredients added at specific times to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Fermentation Equipment

Once the wort is ready, it is transferred to fermentation tanks, where yeast is added. Fermentation tanks are designed to control the temperature, pressure, and oxygen levels of the beer during the fermentation process. The tanks are typically made of stainless steel and can range in size from a few hundred gallons to several thousand gallons.

Maturation Equipment

After the beer has fermented, it is transferred to conditioning tanks for aging and clarification. The beer is aged for a period, allowing the flavors to develop and mature. During this process, any remaining yeast or sediment settles to the bottom of the tank, resulting in a clear and refreshing beer.

Packaging Equipment

Once the beer has been conditioned, it is ready for packaging. Packaging equipment includes filling machines, canning machines, and kegging equipment. These machines fill, cap, label, and seal the containers, in preparation for shipping and distribution.

Cleaning Equipment

Sanitation is a critical aspect of brewing beer. Without proper cleaning, bacteria and other contaminants can ruin a batch of beer. Cleaning equipment, such as CIP tanks, hoses, and pumps, is necessary to ensure that all brewing equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each use.

Commercial brewing equipment is essential to the brewing process, allowing breweries to produce large quantities of high-quality beer for distribution. From milling to packaging, each step in the process requires specialized equipment to ensure consistency and quality. With the right equipment, brewers can create unique and flavorful beers that stand out in a crowded market.