Going Pro?

[sleepyjamie]

So now that liquor laws have relaxed in Alberta there will be a surge in demand for micro-brewed beer. It already has taken off in many brew pubs here in calgary as there are multiple locations that have rotating taps (craft, national, beer revolution etc..) This has me thinking about setting up a nano-brewery at some point in the future. As many others in NS what were your experiences and recommendations for getting such an investment started?

[jason.loxton]

Brew Strong, on the Brewing Network, did a great series on going pro (in conjunction with Jamil's experience getting Heretic up and running). I can't speak to the NS scene, but there's some good stuff there: <http://thebrewingnetwork.com/shows/Brew ... /going+pro>.

[GAM]

Greg told me it was a good way to rune a good hobby.

Sandy

[Jimmy]

Greg told me it was a good way to rune a good hobby.

Sandy

I can definitely see this. I worked in an industry that was also a hobby at one point...now I no longer participate in said hobby.

With that baing said, if it grows to the size of making a living off it, a hobby as a job would be awesome.

[mr x]

Step number one - develop a business plan.

[akr71]

Greg told me it was a good way to rune a good hobby.

Sandy

Yeah, I believe in this too. However, if you stay small (nano or even pico) there is room to make a bit of money so you can practice your hobby for free (or reduced cost). Only grow and expand when is convenient for you.

I did this with my other hobby last summer - fruit and vegetable growing. I'm finding that heading into this growing season, I am far more prepared and organized and I'm certain that it is because of last year. Certainly, there is far less of an equipment investment than for a licensed brewery, but I think it is possible to strike a good balance between the business and the brewing.

[sleepyjamie]

Keep in mind Greg has to deal with a lot if douche bags that aren't in it for the beer but rather profit.

I'd like to keep it at the nano scale if possible


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[mr x]

How nano are we talking? That term gets pretty abused AFAIAC.

[sleepyjamie]

Not sure yet but around 2-3 barrel system if they exist

Maybe even less to start with


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[CorneliusAlphonse]

If I could get a license to brew 60L at a time, selling 40-50L and keeping the remainder for myself, I totally would. If it made any sense money wise

[mr x]

http://conical-fermenter.com/2-Barrel/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

...etc...

[sleepyjamie]

Probably 1 barrel would be the perfect start


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[TimG]

2 barrel would be ideal as it would allow for room to grow without brewing daily! I would think a large expense would be controlling fermentation temperatures. I wonder how most of the the BN'er area nanos do this??

[HPhunter]

I put in a custom built glycol system. Not easy to find something in this size. For a 1-2 bbl I think a big line cooler that a pub would use would work. Jacketed tanks are a must. Don't underestimate the amount of heat produced in a 100L+ Being handy with electrical ans mechanical definitely helps.

[TimG]

Yup, figured that was an option but sounds like a pretty significant upfront investment (I guess a small brewery is just that..). Jacketed tanks also sound like quite a bit more $$. We should get Chalmers out there to do a video tour of your brewery for the blog!

[sleepyjamie]

Yes a video tour and blog would be great


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