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I bought myself a brewery.

Hi,

I have taken the plunge after a few years of pining after a miniature brew house operation. It arrived a couple of weeks ago and I enjoyed brewing my first brew last Monday, yesterday the beer went to keg and my excitement is still climbing. This is basically a complete commercial application brewery, thrown in a microwave, to creat a 100L brewery.

I've pasted a post from the forum I share things with my mates, I thought there might be some interest here.

The post isn't hugely in depth because the brew knowledge amongst the forum is quite sound, if anyone has any questions, I'll be happy to make up and answer for you!

Quote:

The night started with a lot of enthusiasm. First brew. Who couldn't be excited? After running a few shake down tests for power draw and gas fittings we pretty much got straight into it, first on the list was to fill the Hot Liquor Tank - a wanky way of saying a big pot of hot water.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2.../MYBREWERY.jpg

We were pleasantly surprised when we were able to boil 70+ litres in less than 20 minutes, that is COOKING baby. So we were able to mash in quite a lot early than we thought. The malt that was milled is a bit of a secret combination, KFC special sauce if you will, but I can say there is 4 different strains in this brew. The beauty of such a small brewery is the ability to use the finest quality ingredients without compromising to a bean counter.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ptyingWort.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...NightMates.jpg

Stirring the grain in was made easier by the great design of the miniature brew house - here you can see the recirculation tray (so as to evenly push hot water without splash) and a hand.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...rringGrain.jpg

This is a bit closer on the tray, well designed it moves up and down an internal pole to get to the required level. The mash in is ideal for this brew at about 66deg, we were a bit short of that, but that's what happens when you're new to a brew house!

Here is a sparging image, which is throwing hot water over the grain as you drain into the kettle, so we can obtain the desired amount of boilable wort.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...rgingGrain.jpg

This is the setup to hook into the kettle;

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...rlpoolConn.jpg

This is what the kettle looks like inside, you will note the angles pipes, that is so we can create a whirlpool effect - just like a big boy brewery!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...gWhirlpool.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...nEyeOnTemp.jpg

The beer boils for 1 hour on this recipe, quite short, but the control you have over a small brew is exceptional.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...tleBoiling.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...leBoiling2.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...oilingTemp.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...othVessels.jpg

During the boil, hops are added, we were using CITRA hops for this, so basically a very American Pale Ale is in the works here. I won't give away the hop additions online, but this will be a bitter beer.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...one/HopAdd.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...one/HopAdd.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...appyHopAdd.jpg

After full boil we sent the beer to Fermenter One - this is a nice shot of the 'cookie' left behind;

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...HopRemains.jpg

Here is us pitching the yeast;

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...chingYeast.jpg

And here is the morning after!!!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...rningAfter.jpg

The brew has sat since Monday, and we kegged her today. Looking at a 6% Pale Ale with strong bitterness, awesome.

I will keep you updated.

Basically I am HAPPY!

Cheers,
Nik

CongratZ Nik... but the only thing that comes to mind is Buzz Beer from the Drew Carey Show :lol:

Hi,

Cheers mate, not sure what Buzz Beer is, but this is going to be top quality beer. I will have it for sale on tap within the next two weeks.

Can't wait to sell my first pint!

Cheers,
Nik

How cool is that. Let us know how it tastes when it's done.

Very cool, Nik! Big congrats for following your dream. Best of luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alzilla (Post 645423)

Very cool, Nik! Big congrats for following your dream. Best of luck!

+1! Best of luck!

Congratulations! That is so great. And looks like a great setup. Can't wait to hear more about the finished product!

Congrats Nik! Well wishes as you pursue your dream!

Damn!

Congrats Nik. It's crazy to see how much work is put into something that I gulp down in seconds!!!!!

That's awesome. Please keep us updated. Bottling plans? What's next? Can you name it after me please. Thanks!!!!

So awesome. I worked in the Beer/beverage industry for a few years and was always intrigued to make my own but never did. Quite the workshop you have to keep your brewery in as well!

Hi,

Thanks for the kind words. It's a nice 5deg here this morning which is helping in keeping the keg temperature stable. I will keep you guys updated on the first pour when it happens.

Thinking of calling the first brew 'Beyond the Pale'. Not sure though.

Cheers,
Nik

Protest thats a pretty cool looking setup, hope things turn out well!

That is a very sweet set up. Congrats!

Looks like a fun hobby. Congrats. I'm envious - wish I could learn how to brew beer.

Hi,

Well, now I know what it's like to give birth... sort of. Had our first tasting of the double pale ale a couple of days ago, couldn't be happier. Definitely has given me the confidence to continue making beer and also to branch out to more interesting brew styles.

Very bitter, very hoppy. Not super malty which was a surprise considering to boil recirc; but anyway, she pours with a very strong creamy head. We aimed at a lower carbonation for this one, I really prefer a thick mouth feel, so I wanted to eliminate the possibility of that soda water feel right up front.

Anyway, enough talk;

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...CreamyHEad.jpg

I can only consume this myself or gift it to people though, still waiting on the correct licensing from the government so that I can legally sell to the punters. Bit of a pain in the ass, it's a very archaic liquor law system we endure over here. I'm nothing but enthused right now though, so it won't be long now.

Cheers,
Nik

Nik, this is awesome bud! So excited for you as you follow your dream. That glass made me thirsty btw. Going to pour a Guinness right now. :D

Hi Alex,

Thank you for the kind words, mate. It's very dangerous having a tap and keg set up at work - now I think I'm ALWAYS thirsty.

Cheers,
Nik

Congrats Nik! Sounds delicious. Best of luck getting everything approved for distribution! If you go global, I'd love to try some of your beer some day.

congrats man, maybe you can put it forsale on the teamspeed store so we can all taste it :D

So what would it take to get a bottle or two sent to me?

Hi,

I appreciate the interest guys, but I cannot legally sell this until my licence goes through. The only reason I really wanted to make the beer, a part from being a life long dream to make beer of my own, is so that people in the restaurant can have an interesting beer with their meals.

As soon as I have some in a safe to send bottle, I'll let you know, and obviously make sure I get the all clear from the powers that be.

Cheers,
Nik

Nik,

Keep us posted on the coolest venture yet!

Like others have said, as soon as u can sell, let us know. I'm down for some!

Just saw this thread, nice work Protest :)

Funnily enough I am involved with opening up new beer orientated small bar on Beaufort St Mount Lawley which will focus on crafted beers out side of the norm and will be bringing back the hand pump. So will have to hit me up with some more info when you guys get it all sorted as I can see some potential here.. Also are you out in the Swan Valley?? Kinda looks like it from a couple of pictures :)

James

Hi,

I'm actually based down south mate. Interested to hear more about the Mt Lawley project, I'm originally from Freo but spent a lot of time kickin' it around Mt.L.

I'm going to put an update here tonight on our newest brew, a Blood Orange IPA that we call 'Tits Out'. Getting some photos of the pour later on this afternoon, first crack at bottle conditioning so fingers crossed!

Cheers,
Nik

Good Luck man...I actually know one of the owners from sam adams he used to come into the bar I used to tend he started just like you with a passion for beer and a little setup.Heres hoping you get your license and it blows up like they did!

teamspeed meet here, of course no one drives home!

So are you still brewing bud. I just got a simple home brew kit myself to try my hand at it before I get into something really serious. Any major pointers for a total rookie?

Yes! The beer goes in the mouth. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise...:)

Hi,

Sorry for the lack of updates. I literally just walked out of a meeting with some officials. Long story short, I am now fully approved by the federal and state government to manufacture and sell/supply beer that I make myself!

This thread is a bit sad to look at when you see the date stamps. The stonewalling of local councils to try and stop a new business venture in a tourism driven wine region is just appalling. Oh well. That's behind me now.

I will give a better update later on, but now, I think it's time to celebrate!

TTMOTION: By home brew kit, are we talking using liquid malt extract for the wort? Or are you looking to boil in your own mash? Give me a few more details and I would be very happy to help out.

Make sure you let me know what type of beer you would like to make. I've been drinking a bit of American stuff recently, Stones Ruination IPA is absolutely tits.

Cheers,
Nik

That Blood Orange IPA, sounds interesting. How'd it come out?

Hi,

It's pretty serious business. Just over 9%AB/V, and very heavily hopped. Bottle conditioning has seen the hops stay strong which was the aim. It's a two or three stubbie per session beer. I've had some high praise from local brew legends which has really spurred me on to try some more interesting blends.

Cheers,
Nik

very cool. i have been brewing for about 6 months now and really like it. Just finished an APA which i am currently enjoying!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2..._8227465_n.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by theprotest (Post 780425)

Just re discovered this thread again and understand your frustration with councils and other red tape BS haha, the bar I was talking about earlier only got its licence a couple of weeks ago after much fun trying to get the liquor licence..

Anyway congratulation on getting licensed down there the process is never easy and can drag on.. Can I order a mixed carton of you beers and happy to pay, will drop them off to the manager at Five and try them out and see if he wants to take on anything.. They are always looking for new and unique beers and ciders to add to the range.. Or if you up this way any time let me know and will buy you a beer at Five.

Five Bar

ATM this is the only web presences as we are just glad to be up and running for now.

Cheers
James

Congrats! My wife and I make wine every year, every year we make more and more....we are up to 35 gallons this year, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and honey mead.

Hi,

Can't believe how hard they make things. Doesn't matter now. I am now actively selling four packs of beer! It's been a very rewarding release and I can't help but yell from the rooftops.

I MAKE BEER, AND THEN I SELL IT!

Any of the Australians on here that would like to know more about where I am stocked, let me know (I am not an approved vendor by any stretch of the imagination, so if this is considered spam, please remove at moderator discretion).

@James: Expect a phone call!! :)

Cheers,
Nik

Hi Nik, how can I purchase some of your brew?

Hey Nik, how can I receive some of your beer for free?

Hi,

Your care package is apparently still waiting for collection. I'm more than a bit annoyed about it, I'm not known for not following through.

@Speedy: I'll get at you in the morning, mate. I don't have any outlets in QLD, but we can make something happen.

Cheers,
Nik

Quote:

Originally Posted by theprotest (Post 1362531)

At your end or my end?