Today we are going to answer the question “What Does A Brewing Consultant Do?”. This is a quick article to breaking the role.
In short they use knowledge gained over a career to help a brewery. Because most brewing consultants have 20+ years of experience.
Services will include:
Brewhouse Sizing, Configuration and Purchase
How big do you need your brewhouse to be? Because sizing a brewery correctly is key. The main diver is predicted sales.
As well as brew-length; predicted sales will determine other factors. Such as number and volume of fermentation vessels and bright tanks.
Furthermore auxiliary equipment is configured for purchase too by a consultant. Equipment such as boilers, air compressors and more.
Additionally a consultant will work with architects, engineers and tradesman. To ensure the utilities are in the correct position and calculated properly.
Appreciation and planning for future expansion will be factored into every decision too.
Getting Quotes and Review with Side-by-Side Comparison
A consultant will get a number of quotes for brewing equipment. From several manufacturers and in budget. They will do a line-by-line comparison to compare quotes.
They will asses production rate, quality, completeness and pricing. The consultant can visit the factory of preferred manufacturers. Then report back their findings.
All findings will be shared with the client. Together they will discuss the merits of each supplier with the brewing. With the consultant making his preferred recommendations.
Packaging Requirements
Packaging requirements depend on several factors. These include; licensing, preferred pack type, beer styles produced and so on.
A consultant will work with a brewery to determine the correct packaging type, speed of packaging lines. Including how many kegs and speed of keg cleaner as well as layout and processes.
What Does A Brewing Consultant Do – Product Timeline Chart
A brewing consultant will create a master document to assist with identifying jobs and time to complete each area of an installation. The master document determines the delegation of responsibilities.
This master document lists timelines ensuring all equipment arrives and is installed at the same time. Especially if you have equipment coming from a number of suppliers.
Recipe Formulation, Brewing Procedure and Start-Up Brewing Trials
What does your future customer want to drink? Given some guidelines a consultant can create recipes to fit your specifics needs. If you’re not sure then he/she can guide you.
If working on a new set up a consultant can create SOP’s (standard operating procedures). Documents to act as manuals for reference on how to use all the equipment.
What Does A Brewing Consultant Do – Identifying Suppliers and Budgeting
As an experienced brewer a consultant will have a list of contacts for raw materials.
They will balance quality of product with cost to fit your budget and running costs. This is an area where a consultant can save you a lot of money.
Safety and QC
A brewery can be very dangerous place. A brewing consultant can set up safety protocols, provide documents and operating procedures. To keep your team safe.
They can set up a minimum testing program for ingredients, brewing and packaging. This will ensure the product your products will be safe and of good standard.
What Does A Brewing Consultant Do – A Conclusion
Overall a brewing consultant will be able to streamline a brewery installation. Thus you’re truly prepared every step of the way.
They can work on processes, improve recipes and save money on suppliers. If you are unsure of how to proceed. Then using the experience of a brewing consultant is a shortcut to success.
If you would like to speak with a consultant about your brewing project then you can contact me at: neil@asianbeernetwork.com
Or you can fill in the from below too:
I have been brewing for 25 years and am based in China. I have worked in a number of countries, on many systems and on several brewery installation projects.
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