Couple questions:
Why can’t I brew for myself? I’ve still got my system at my house, in my garage. My “commercial” brewery will be 15 miles away at my partners place. We’ll home brew on my system, and commerical on hers. And 8 hours? Not even close. We can get 2, 10 gallon batches done in less than that.
You can. Having time or wanting too is two different things. The last thing I want to do Sunday on my one day off is brew another batch of beer. Maybe your situation will be totally different than mine. But as easy as it is to set up a 2.5 - 3 bbl system it would just be pointless brewing commercially on a ten gallon. Maybe that’s not your gig though, just the way I read it.
Don’t let the negatives stop you. Plans can always change as you get into it.Good luck.
Absolutely!!! Agree 110%. I just remember how silly I felt brewing on a 1 bbl system when I started so I can’t help but pass on the advice. But like I said, maybe I misunderstand the situation.
Without a doubt I wish you the best of luck. And fwiw it’s not negativity, just hard earned experience. But everyone’s situation is different. Here’s hoping you make the most of yours!
I don’t take it as negativity. No worries there. I appreciate all comments.
My intention is just to be able to legally sell some beer. Having two, (and now possibly a third) bar stock my beer on a rotating basis will be very cool. I have no plans to even fill sankey kegs, so I will be limited to bars with a ball lock set-up. And that’s fine. Like I said somewhere, I ain’t giving up the day job.
Well, we’re almost past the posting requirement from our state LCB. And the TTB website now has our application “under review”
I guess this is where find out what other hurdles there may (or may not) be…
Congrats, We are in the same boat at the same time. Good Luck.
Are you being made to hang “food grade” lights over your brewing area? What about an explosion proof room to grind grain in? Are you having to install a solid waste interceptor in front of the city sewage lines? These were all hurdles we had to deal with on a local level, even on a single bbl brewery. Also, if you are using a mash paddle you may need a 3 bay sink large enough to hold the MP. Of course, we don’t use one. 
This is the best part of being in an unincorporated area. No city government to worry about. Only the county. And, of the two other breweries in my county, none of that has ever been a concern.
Now, having said that. I’ve had a nice stainless, 3 bay sink in my brewery for quite some time. It makes keeping things clean for easy. (a local pizza shop closed up, and had a sale on all their used equipment. I really wanted the nice 3 sankey kegerator, but my wallet couldn’t handle that purchase. Oh well, the stainless sink only cost me $50.00.
Awesome. We are considering the county for our next build due to lower regulations. Still have to deal with health department but building code much easier.
Are you coming to NHC? If so, stop by the WAHA booth and give my beer a try. If your bringing any beer, I’d love to try yours. I appreciate all your comments.
Heck yeah, I’m coming. Love to try your beers and am trying to figure out a way to get mine out there as well.
Play you cards right Major and you may get a lot and building paid for by the local government. When moving up you may have the upper hand. Long shot but it could happen, happened for a brewery in WI.
Well, we got an email from out state LCB. Looks like they want a lot information. Much of it is all ready for them as it’s the same as the TTB, but a few new things.
Good thing I’m a pencil pusher for my day job…
If all goes well, we should have kegs out by Labor day.
OK, the “specialist review” was supposed to be due today, and checking the TTB website, nothing has happened. I guess this is our first real “delay.”
Call, permits on line, I did and it turned out that our file was assigned to some one out on maternity leave! The very helpful person got us a new specialist, got an email by the end of that day from a new specialist! SO CALL TOMORROW! ASAP!
BB Good to hear that.
Wear the tie for the phone interview. I heard it helps 
Phone call tomorrow from the TTB. I hope it goes well! Wearing the the dolphin tie the wife loves tomorrow!
How did the call go Marc? Did the tie help? ;D
No phone interview yet, but no email asking for something else. That is great! I’m amazed how some people get annoyed resending things that have been resent. I won’t mention names! My new specialist has been great.