When looking for a building for your brewery, it is important to consider the size requirements based on the brewing system you plan to install. The amount of square footage needed will depend on the size of the brewing system and the production capacity you aim to achieve. Typically, you will need approximately 1 to 1.5 square feet per barrel per year for your production space, excluding a cold room.
Let's break down the square footage requirements for different brewing system sizes:
1. 3 bbl Brewing System:
For a 3 bbl brewing system, you will need around 3 to 4.5 square feet per barrel per year. This means that for a yearly production of 1000 barrels, you would require a production space of approximately 3000 to 4500 square feet. This space should include areas for brewing, fermentation, packaging, storage, and any additional production needs.
2. 5 bbl Brewing System:
With a 5 bbl brewing system, you will need roughly 5 to 7.5 square feet per barrel per year. For example, if you plan to produce 2000 barrels per year, you would require a space of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. This should accommodate all the necessary brewing equipment, fermentation vessels, packaging area, storage, and other operational needs.
3. 7 bbl Brewing System:
For a 7 bbl brewing system, you should allocate approximately 7 to 10.5 square feet per barrel per year. If your annual production goal is 3000 barrels, you would need a space of around 21,000 to 31,500 square feet. This will provide ample room for brewing, fermentation, packaging, storage, and any additional areas required for your operations.
4. 10 bbl Brewing System or Larger:
For larger brewing systems such as 10 bbl or more, the square footage requirements remain the same, i.e., 1 to 1.5 square feet per barrel per year. However, with larger production capacities, you might need to consider additional space for expansion, storage, offices, taprooms, and other amenities to support your growing brewery.
It is vital to remember that these numbers are rough estimates, and each brewery's needs can vary based on their specific operations and goals. Factors such as the layout of the building, ceiling height, equipment arrangement, and workflow efficiency can also impact the required square footage.
When searching for a building, it is essential to consider not only the production space but also other factors such as zoning regulations, access to utilities (water, electricity, gas), drainage, ventilation, and potential for future expansion. Additionally, consider the location, accessibility for deliveries and customers, parking availability, and any local regulations or permits required for running a brewery.
Ultimately, finding the right building for your brewery is a critical step towards creating a successful and efficient operation. It is advisable to consult with professionals, such as architects or brewery consultants, who can assist in assessing your specific needs and guide you through the process of selecting an appropriate space.