When we first started assembling equipment and discussing how we could pull this brewery adventure off with the limited funds that we had, we knew a large part of our equipment would need to be purchased used and hopefully at a discount. Well, if you've spent any time on the Probrewer classifieds you know that used equipment gets snapped up quickly. If you aren't in the right place at the right time, with pockets full of cash, chances are you just don't have a chance at this equipment, especially if it is a good deal.
Early on, we realized that we would be buying brand new fermenters and so we sought out advice and recommendations. Of all the equipment manufacturers and dealers, we kept hearing great things about Premier Stainless, on both their quality and their price. We placed our order, people started working, and nearly 5 months later, here they are.
The night before they were due to show up, Chad and I got on youtube for some quick training. Oh yeah - neither of us had run a forklift before, and this was something we were definitely going to need to do. Surprisingly, operating a forklift takes all of ten seconds to understand and with a little common sense, can be done so safely by anyone who possesses even the most basic motor skills.
So the day of arrival, we rented a forklift from our neighbors who allowed us to drive it on the street to the brewery, saving us a $250 delivery fee. The tanks showed up right on time, maybe even early and we got to work. They were fastened to the truck trailer by someone who obviously has an engineering degree and who has done this a few times before. We broke them free from their vises and within 2 hours had the fermenters down safely and sitting in their new home. There were a few moments when 2000lbs of custom stainless steel was eight feet in the air that both Chad and I were holding our breath. Luckily, Chad is a now a forklift ninja and with the help of Carissa's boss Gregory, we were able to pull off one of the most monumental days so far for BSB. A huge sigh of relief for us all.
As I write this, the fermenters are quietly sitting inside the brewery, acclimating and adjusting to the place they will call home for some time. I can't tell you how exciting and anxious we were to get these tanks. Now, it's time to fill em!
-Branden
