You’ve finally taken the leap and decided to turn your passion for brewing into your very own craft beer haven. The possibilities are endless—unique flavors, a friendly atmosphere, and beer-loving customers. But before you can raise a glass to your dream, there’s one thing you need to sort out: the equipment. Here are some of the items you need to open a brewery, from brews to tanks to suds!
Fermentation and Bright Beer Tanks
When it comes to brewing, there are two important tanks to consider: fermentation tanks and bright beer tanks. Fermentation tanks hold your brew as the yeast takes over to create the glorious drink. It’s essential to invest in high-quality, durable, and easy-to-maintain tanks that facilitate proper temperature control for an impeccable fermentation process.
Bright beer tanks are next in line. These tanks store beer after fermentation and before packaging and serving. They allow your beer to clear and mature, giving it a perfect taste and finish. Just like their fermentation counterparts, make sure to purchase the right size and quality for your brewing needs.
The Milling and Mashing Essentials
One crucial aspect of brewing is breaking down the grain to extract all the good stuff—the starches. To achieve this, you’re going to need a reliable grain mill. This will help you consistently crush the grain to the perfect size.
You’ll then need a mash tun—a vessel that mashes the crushed grains with hot water. It’s crucial in breaking down and converting starches into fermentable sugars. Make sure to choose user-friendly, easy-to-clean, and sturdy mash tuns to keep the magic elixir flowing.
The Boil Kettle
Another piece of equipment you need to open a brewery is a boil kettle. The boil kettle separates the solid wort from the precious brew and adds bitterness, flavor, and aroma by incorporating hops. When selecting a kettle, ensure it offers excellent temperature control, durability, and ease of use. Plus, the bigger, the better—as your brewery grows, so will your need to brew larger quantities.
A Stellar POS System
Now that your beers are almost ready to wow your customers, it’s time to consider the business side of your brewery. A point of sale (POS) system is an essential tool for any business. It handles everything from inventory management and customer data to sales tracking and financial reporting. Our top tip for choosing a POS system for your brewery is to look for one that can seamlessly integrate with other systems, such as your accounting software or online ordering system. That way, you’ll have a single source of data and reporting across all your systems.
With the right equipment, dedication, and passion, your brewery dream can become the toast of the town. As you prepare to open your doors, remember to choose high-quality fermentation and bright beer tanks, dependable milling and mashing equipment, and a fantastic POS system to keep your business running smoothly.