Hey guys, I’m pretty new to brewing as it is, so it’s just a far off fantasy for me at the moment to one day open a brewery.
However, I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good book on the basics of starting/operating a commercial brewery or brewpub. Right now I’m mainly reading basic beer books + items listed under the cicerone program. Thanks!
The MBAA series is pretty good. IIRC its 125 bucks for the three books so you better be serious. FWIW I brewed for 15 years before opening my brewery. Not something to be taken lightly. If you don’t have really, really good beer and know what you are doing you probably won’t be around long.
It seems, to me at least, that if one enjoys brewing they should look to a brewing job. Owning a brewery is probably more for the guy/gal who loves sales and dealing with bills, taxes, and government regulations.
while I do own a fifth of my brewery I do have partners who take care of that stuff for me. I brew and manage production.
That I could see as a best situation. I would want next to nothing to do with the customer side, or the office. 10min a week in a decision making meeting, then let me go get wet n sweaty.
The later list is why a guy I know says “opening a brewery is the reason I no longer brew beer”. He has hired a Brewer and concentrates on the business side.
IMO, if one enjoys brewing they should remain a homebrewer.
If you’re relatively new to brewing then you should focus on brewing first and maybe get a job at a brewery and see how much you love the amount of time spent cleaning to turn it into a career. Then work some more on perfecting beers that give you a marketable product.
To your question,
The Brewer’s Association Guide to Starting Your Own Brewery
By Dick Cantwell
A great, thorough, very well written overview introduction to those seriously considering opening a brewery.
Brewery Operation Manual
By Tom Hennessy
While I haven’t finished, its a good overview. Not as well written as the BA book and seems to take more of a “cheap and easy” approach to going pro, which may be perfect for some.
appreciate all the advice guys!
Yep, I’m still only a few months into brewing so I know this would be a whiles away before becoming a reality. I just wanted to get some insight into the industry while I have time to read.
I actually quit my job earlier this year on the East coast and moved to Cali cause I hated consulting and wanted to do something with beer. I have been looking for that first job in the industry, but man, it’s tough to find any assistant brewing position right now.
I was already thinking about the MBAA set so I think I’ll definitely purchase it now.
I’ve heard some negative things about the BA guide to starting your own brewery, can anyone else confirm whether or not this is a good idea? The brewery operation manual looks pretty solid though from reviews although your comments make me feel otherwise now :[
Thanks again guys!
btw off-topic, how did you guys find your first commercial brewing jobs?
Look at the current Zymurgy, there is an article by Tom Hennessy covering starting a brewery for minimum cash. Form your own options after reading that.
Keep in mind, neither of the books I mentioned are intended to be comprehensive (I hope), but rather provide a very good general overview of the things you will need to think about and address if you’re considering going down the road of professional brewing, like you. Neither are expensive nor long reads, pick them up and take away what you will.
Could you please provide some specifics, or point me toward the reviews your read?
http://www.amazon.com/Brewers-Associations-Guide-Starting-Brewery/dp/1938469054
it could just be because it’s not a fully comprehensive book, but it does seem like an interesting read nonetheless. I’m looking at the Zymurgy article now and it’s pretty interesting as well.
4-stars on 38 reviews is respectable IMO.
I would add Tony Magee’s new book to the list. I got it for Xmas and have just about finished it.
For a brewpub, check out The Restaurant Manager’s Handbook. It’s essentially the bible for that industry - which is much, much more complicated than a brewery.
Most of us are all homebrewers here. But for me it involved sinking a bunch of money into a business.
I hire people who seem like diligent and earnest individuals and who will work for for $9 per hour. If it works out I try to get them a raise whenever possible. 2 of my best hires started out as volunteers. That said I don’t take on volunteers any longer because of insurance issues.
+10,000
There are many books available some of which were mentioned, but my advice is to meet with and talk to as many professional brewers/owners as you can to get a first hand feel for the business. Commercial brewing is a tough business to crack and takes a lot of knowledge, some experience and the relentless pursuit to succeed. Certainly research the business as much as possible. All the best to you!
By the way, welcome back. How is the new brewery going?