By Andrew Burns, Head Brewer
It's been a busy couple of weeks over at Chapel Brewing, and we've got some exciting updates for our thirsty (and patient) fans.
About a week and-and-a-half ago, the brewhouse looked like this:
A blank canvas
With her freshly sealed cement and fresh coat of paint, she was ready to receive a whole truckload of Stainless Steel. Make that two truckloads.
Then began the process of organizing and assembly. Boy am I thankful for every minute spend playing with Lego as a kid, and for every piece of IKEA furniture assembled as an adult. Because it turns out that a brewery is basically just a giant erector set.
So many pipes . . .
It took two solid days of assembly, but everything is in place. The result is a maze of stainless steel pipes, more valves than I dare to count, and three firmly situated brewing vessels. This is my playground:
So what's next?
Now is the time when I hand over my precious baby to someone else (many someones else). It takes a lot of expertise to build a brewery, and I don't have any of it. Over the following weeks, this is what needs to happen.
- Electrical: Everything needs to be wired, including pumps, motors, and solenoids – and all tied back to the control box.
- Plumbing: We need water (and sinks, and bathrooms)
- HVAC: The kettles need burners installed, and venting installed
- Glycol: Fermenters need to be cooled, and glycol lines need to be run
In some ways that's a short list. In some ways, it's huge. But one thing is for certain.
It's happening.
Andrew Burns
Head Brewer,
Chapel Brewing
