My cousin and I are fairly new to the home brewing family and were looking for some advice. Currently we have a VERY basic set up of a few 5 gallon turkey fryers, fermentors, carboys, and all the other basic essentials. We are moving forward with the goal in mind of starting a nano brewery and eventually a micro brewery. We have the ability to, right now, renovate our basement to hold a slop sink, have proper ventilation, and upgrade our brewing system to a 15 gallon professional grade set up. Is this something that would be as beneficial as we believe or are we wasting our time and money? Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Knowing next to nothing about your situation, zoning laws concerning what kinds of activities are allowed on different types of properties and State laws are just the first questions that come to mind.
You may want to start a conversation on the BA forum (rather then the AHA forum). The folks on that board have, or are in the process of, opening a brewer. They would have much more info than most of us.
It is pretty unlikely, perhaps impossible, to get a brewing permit for a nano in the basement of a home from what I’ve heard, never mind zoning. You may be able to get one for a detached garage or brew shed depending on your zoning laws.
You would have to investigate your state and local laws governing commercial brewi g and where it is allowed as well as what types of facilities can be used, not to mention the TTB and the Federal regulations governing commercial brewing.
I’m not familiar with any states that would allow you to set up a commercial brewery in your basement or actually anything actually attached to your residence.
I think if it were that easy we’d all go pro and start making money on our beer:)