Last week's show may have been the most interesting and useful I've
heard yet. Or, would have been useful a year ago when I started
designing my own electric brewery. As it is, I brewed my first batch
on it 2 weeks ago, a Belgian Pale. I was extremely interested to see
how Kal solved some of the problems I ran into during the build so I
checked out theelectricbrewery.com and, WOW! Not only did he do a
great job on the brewery but, the way the whole project was
meticulously cataloged is awe inspiring.
Surprisingly, our two designs are eerily similar. I think Kal and I
must have drawn on a lot of the same research. I will say that Kal
did a very professional job, much more so than I did.
That being said, HOLY BALLS does that guy know how to spend money!
Don't get me wrong I spent plenty, both in money and time, but we're
not building a fucking piano here. I know we all want stainless, but
there is nothing wrong with brass and copper. And that control
panel! Impressive, but it cost as much as my entire system.
Look, the guy did a great job. No doubt about that. My issue is I
fear that many brewers who are interested in building an electric
brewery will be overwhelmed by the price tag or the sheer enormity of
the project. I just want people to know that it can be done cheaper,
easier, and faster and make beer just as good. If there is anything
I've learned from you guys (ok, mostly from John Palmer), it's that
you don't need fancy equipment to brew great beer.
-Labmechanic
