Beverage Equipment

Whether sweet or dry, white or red, robust or light, wine requires precise serving procedures to reach its full flavor potential. Mastering the art of serving and pouring wine and holding the glass correctly creates a positive experience for wine enthusiasts and first-time wine tasters alike. In add

Storing wine properly can be a tricky business, but a specialized wine fridge makes it much easier. Understanding the basics of wine storage and what makes these units different will help you choose the best wine fridge and get the most out of your supply of wine. Shop All Wine Refrigeration

If you're installing a new tap system or updating an existing system or kegerator, there are a handful of key components you should be familiar with before you get started. First, let's take a look at a typical draft beer setup. Once you have an idea of what individual parts are involved, we can th

Whether you are planning to blend up the perfect slushy, smoothie, or frozen cocktail, it's important to know what sort of slushy/granita machine will best serve your needs. By presenting a slushy machine in plain view of your customers, you'll help boost impulse sales when they see the swirling, br

Juice bars have become increasingly popular as people become more health-conscious and seek nutritious alternatives to sugary drinks. Whether you plan on starting a new juice bar or want to expand your existing one, you need different equipment to make and serve delicious and nutritious drinks. This

Juicing for your business can come in many different forms, so knowing the different types of juicers will come in handy as you decide which model matches your goals! With this juicer buying guide, we will walk you through the options to help you choose the right one.

Although they look like mini refrigerators, kegerators are much more specialized. Kegerators are used by a variety of businesses to chill and dispense draft beer. There are many different kinds of kegerators available in various sizes and styles, including both indoor and outdoor kegerators. This gu

Nearly every type of food service establishment needs an ice machine, and there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing one. Because so many configurations and styles exist, it's good to understand what is out there to find the best ice makers to suit your business's needs. Use this guide to

Offering guests the cool, refreshing taste of lemonade on a hot summer's day is an easy way to boost impulse sales at your concession stand, convenience store, or other food service establishment. With the help of a refrigerated beverage dispenser, you can do just that! However, with so many varieti

Whether you've just opened a bar, own a catering business, or want to serve beer at a backyard barbeque, kegs are a convenient option for providing drinks to a crowd. They are a crucial tool in the world of commercial beverage service, allowing you to serve large quantities of beer without using individual bottles or cans. There are several different keg sizes, and if you aren't familiar with them it can be difficult to identify which size fits your needs. We’ll introduce the different keg types and their capacities below. Click any of the links below to skip to the keg information that most interests you: What Is a Keg? Types of Kegs How to Fill a Keg How to Clean a Keg Beer Keg FAQ What Is a Keg? A keg is a container designed to hold and serve large quantities of beer, cider, and other alcoholic or carbonated drinks. These containers are typically cylindrical in shape and come in various sizes. Most kegs are pressurized, preventing carbon dioxide leakage and keeping their contents carbonated. Due to their capacity and portability, kegs lend themselves to a wide range of settings including local bars, wedding receptions, and music festivals. Types of Kegs There are many different keg styles, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep your favorite brew fresh. We’ll walk you through the different types of kegs and how much beer they hold below. It's important to note that these figures are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific dimensions and design of the keg. 1. Half Barrel Keg A half-barrel keg, sometimes called a full keg, is the most widely used and commonly distributed keg. It is the largest type of keg and lends itself large-scale events or operations. The half-barrel keg is compatible with most commercial draft systems, making it easy to integrate into your existing setup. Its standard dimensions allow for seamless installation and replacement, ensuring a smooth operation for your business. How Many Beers In a Half Keg? Capacity of a half barrel keg: 15.5 gallons Pints in a half barrel keg: 124 pints Bottles in a half barrel keg: 165 bottles 2. Quarter Barrel Keg Also known as a pony keg or stubby quarter keg, this compact keg is designed for occasions when a full-sized keg is not necessary. They lend themselves to medium-sized businesses or events. One of the advantages of a quarter barrel keg is its footprint. It has the same circumference as a half keg but is only half the height, making it much easier to maneuver and store. How Many Beers In a Quarter Barrel Keg? Capacity of a quarter barrel keg: 7.75 gallons Pints in a quarter barrel keg: 62 pints Bottles in a quarter barrel keg: 82 bottles 3. Slim Quarter Keg Slim quarter kegs are a smaller footprint version of a standard quarter keg. While a regular quarter keg holds the same amount of beer, the slim version offers a space-saving solution for those tight on storage space. One of the main advantages of a slim quarter keg is its ability to fit into smaller refrigerators or kegerators. It's the perfect option for businesses that want to offer an expanded drink selection. How Many Beers In a Slim Quarter Keg? Capacity of a slim quarter keg: 7.75 gallons Pints in a slim quarter keg: 62 pints Bottles in a slim quarter keg: 82 bottles 4. Sixth Barrel Keg Also known as a sixtel keg or log keg, the sixth barrel keg is often used in microbreweries. They are the ideal choice for those looking to offer a variety of beers on tap without taking up too much space. With its small footprint, the sixth barrel keg can easily fit into various types of kegerators. How Many Beers In a Sixth Barrel Keg? Capacity of a sixth barrel keg: 5.2 gallons Pints in a sixth barrel keg: 41 pints Bottles in a sixth barrel keg: 55 bottles 5. Cornelius Keg Also known as the homebrew keg, the Cornelius keg was first utilized by the soft drink industry before quickly being adopted by breweries. These kegs are perfect for those who prefer to brew smaller quantities of beer and experiment with different recipes. The reduced quantity of beer in a Cornelius keg makes it easier to handle and store. Whether you're a home brewer looking to share your creations with friends and family or you're a brewery owner seeking to expand your tap beer options, the Cornelius keg provides a convenient solution. How Many Beers In a Cornelius Keg? Capacity of a Cornelius keg: 5 gallons Pints in a Cornelius keg: 40 pints Bottles in a Cornelius keg: 53 bottles 6. Mini Keg A mini keg is the smallest type of commercial keg. Sometimes called bubba kegs, mini kegs are easy to transport thanks to their compact size and lightweight construction. Whether you're catering a small event or sampling your newest brew, these kegs are the ideal vessel for storing small quantities of beer. Mini kegs are frequently used with mini kegerators, ensuring your brew is always at the correct temperature. How Many Beers In a Mini Keg? Capacity of a mini keg: 1.32 gallons Pints in a mini keg: 10 pints Bottles in a mini keg: 14 bottles How to Fill a Keg If you’re new to the brewing industry, filling a keg might be a confusing process. To transfer beer from your fermenter to your keg, follow these steps: Prepare keg: Sanitize the keg before filling it and place it on a balanced scale. This allows you to measure its contents as it is filled. Attach hose: Connect the coupler of your keg to the fermenter with a hose. This will be used to transfer beer between the two vessels. Close shutoffs: Close both shutoffs on the coupler and ensure the hose is securely attached to prevent any leaks or spills during the filling process Flush yeast and sediment: Remove any yeast or debris that may have settled in the racking arm by flushing it out. Once the racking arm is flushed, connect the coupler to the sanitized keg, ensuring a tight and secure fit. Fill the keg: Open the liquid shutoff valve on the coupler. Be careful not to open it fully, as this may release too much gas at once. Slowly and steadily fill the keg, ensuring it reaches approximately 95-98% full. Leaving a small amount of headspace inside the keg allows it to absorb any pressure changes without causing issues. Finish filling: Once the keg is almost full, close the gas shutoff valve to stop the flow. Wait until the beer stops flowing completely before disconnecting the coupler to minimize spills or waste. Counter-Pressure Filling Large-scale commercial breweries rely on counter-pressure filling to fill their kegs. This process involves a series of valve operations and pressurization, facilitating faster filling while simultaneously preventing oxygen absorption and product loss. It gives the operator complete control over the atmosphere inside the keg during the filling process, resulting in a high-quality product that retains its freshness for longer. How to Clean a Keg Cleaning a keg is essential for maintaining the quality and taste of your beer. Whether you're a bar owner or a homebrewer, it’s important to know how to clean a keg the right way. We’ll walk you through the process below: Depressurize the keg: For safety reasons, release any remaining pressure from the keg before you begin cleaning. Remove keg spear: The keg spear is the component that allows you to tap into the keg. To clean the keg thoroughly, remove the spear by unscrewing it or using a specialized keg spear removal tool. Rinse: Rinse the keg with warm water to remove any residual beer or debris. Add cleaning solution: Choose a high-quality keg cleaning solution and follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct amount to use. Add the cleaning solution to the keg, and then fill it with hot water to activate the cleaning solution and break down any remaining residue. Let the solution sit: Let the cleaning solution sit in the keg for 10-15 minutes to dissolve any stubborn deposits and eliminate bacteria or other contaminants. Dry and rinse: Drain the keg and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. This will remove any traces of the cleaning solution and ensure that no residue remains. Sanitize: Eliminate any remaining bacteria with a second batch of cleaning solution. After a few minutes, drain the keg and rinse it one final time with clean water. Reinstall spear: Once the keg is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, reattach the keg spear. Before you add your beer, it's important to purge the keg with carbon dioxide to remove any oxygen that may have entered during the cleaning process. This will help to preserve the flavor and freshness of your beer. Beer Keg FAQ We’ll answer some of the most common questions about beer kegs below. How Long Does a Keg Last? Pasteurized draft beer, heated to kill off bacteria or yeast, will generally last 3 to 4 months in a keg. Unpasteurized draft beer, which retains its live yeast, typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks. Proper storage is the key to making your beer last as long as possible. Kegs should be kept refrigerated at all times to maintain the quality of the beer inside. Warm temperatures can speed up the aging process and cause the beer to become flat and stale. It's important to note that the countdown for a keg's shelf life begins when it is first filled at the brewery, not when you purchase it. When serving draft beer at a party or event, check the keg's packaging and verify when it was filled. What Are Beer Kegs Made Of? The two most common keg materials are stainless steel and aluminum. Continue reading to learn about both types and what sets them apart. Stainless steel beer kegs: Stainless steel kegs are known for their durability. They feature excellent insulating properties, allowing you to keep beer cold for long periods. Aluminum beer kegs: One of the main advantages of aluminum kegs is that they preserve the taste of the beer better than other materials. These kegs are also lighter than their stainless steel counterparts, making them easier to transport. Back to Top Kegs are a valuable tool for any establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, and it's essential to make sure you choose the right one. By selecting the proper-sized beer keg, you can ensure that you always have enough of your signature beverages to satisfy customers.

With so many commercial blender options out there, choosing the right model for your business can be a chore. This guide breaks down the types of blenders along with the features to look for when buying a commercial blender. Whether you are looking for a robust commercial smoothie blender or a small

Designed to quench the thirst of dozens of customers, beer dispensers are excellent additions to restaurants, bars, catered events, and more. Their simple design makes them easy to use, and they have the capacity to serve dozens before needing a refill. Just like any other type of equipment, these s

Whether you are starting a coffee shop or looking to upgrade your current equipment, choosing the best espresso machine for your business doesn't have to be a daunting task. This guide breaks down the different types of espresso makers, the parts of an espresso machine, and the best coffee for espre

Slushies are loved by customers of all ages, which makes them a great addition to the menu when you want to boost impulse sales. With the right commercial slushie machine, these frozen drinks are easy to make and even easier to sell. But did you know you can make your own slushie syrup mixes? Outdo your competition and mix up gourmet slush syrups that help you stand out from the crowd. We’ll teach you how to use the Brix scale and a simple tool called a refractometer to make sure your slushies turn out perfectly every time. No time to make your own slush syrup? Click below to shop our collection of premade syrups. Shop All Slushie Syrups Keep reading or click below to learn about how the Brix scale can help you make better slushies: What Is the Brix Scale? How to Use a Refractometer Slush Machine Mix Ratio Slush Machine Recipes What Is the Brix Scale? The Brix scale is a measurement system used in food production to express the percentage of dissolved sucrose (sugar) in a liquid solution. It's commonly used in juice production, wine making, and frozen desserts to measure the amount of sugar that's present in the recipe. One degree on the Brix scale is equal to 1 gram of sucrose per 100 grams of solution. Why Is the Brix Scale Important? The Brix scale is important when making frozen desserts like slushies or granitas because sugar content affects the freezing process of your slush machine mix. Too much sugar in the mix will prevent the slushie from freezing, and too little sugar will cause it to freeze into a solid mass and damage your slushie machine. By checking the Brix reading on your slushie mix before adding it to the machine, you don't have to second guess yourself or spend any time adjusting the mix as it freezes. The ideal Brix reading for a slushie solution should fall between 13 and 15 degrees. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended Brix level, because every slushie machine has different requirements. Some units will work with Brix levels as low as 11 and as high as 20. Premade slush mixes should be formulated to the correct range, but it never hurts to double check that the ratio of sugar to liquid is correct. It's even more important to check the Brix reading of your homemade slushie syrups to ensure they will freeze correctly. What Is a Refractometer? A Brix refractometer is a small hand-held tool that measures the Brix level of liquid solutions. Refractometers use the principle of refraction to measure the concentration of solids in a solution. Refraction occurs when light bends as it passes from one medium to another. The number of solids present in a liquid solution will change the angle of refraction, and the refractometer measures the angle to determine the sugar content in the solution. There are several types of refractometers that measure different solids, but the Brix refractometer is designed specifically to measure sucrose content. How To Use a Refractometer Though the science behind them may be complex, refractometer are fairly easy to use. Follow these simple steps to determine how much sugar is in your slush machine mixture: First, calibrate the refractometer per the manufacturer's instruction manual. Mix the slush syrup and give it a good stir before testing. Open the cover plate on the end of the refractometer. Use a pipette or liquid dropper to drop a couple drops of slush solution onto the angled prism. Close the cover plate tightly.Point the refractometer towards a light source and look through the eyepiece. The Brix scale will be visible. To read the scale, look for the point where the illuminated portion meets the dark portion. If the Brix reading is between 13% and 15%, your slushie mix is just right. If the Brix reading is below 13%, add more sugar to the mix and try again. If the Brix reading is above 15%, add more water to the mix and try again.Clean the prism surface with a damp cloth after use and air dry. Slush Machine Mix Ratio Premade slushie syrup is concentrated, so it needs to be mixed with water before adding it to the slush machine. Every brand has their own ratio, but most mixes are either 1:4 or 1:5. This means for every 1 cup of syrup, you need to add 4 or 5 cups of water to the mix. Make sure to read the instructions on the mix and use the ratio as your guide. If you want to add other ingredients or syrups, try replacing a part of the premade syrup in the ratio. For example, instead of adding 1 cup premade syrup, try 1/2 cup flavoring syrup + 1/2 cup premade syrup. Because the sugar content of other syrups will be different than the premade slush syrup, you need a refractometer to make the perfect mix. Can You Add Alcohol to a Slush Machine? Some slush machines are rated to work with alcohol, but it depends on the manufacturer. Read the manufacturer's guidelines concerning alcohol before making adult slushies. Does Alcohol Affect the Brix Reading? Yes, alcohol affects the Brix reading. Adding alcohol to the mix will cause the Brix reading to be higher, which means it will take longer to freeze. Using a refractometer is the best way to make sure your boozy slush mixes freeze properly. Slush Machine Recipes Try experimenting with syrups and flavorings to create gourmet slushies! There are many different types of flavoring syrups you can use, but avoid anything with dairy ingredients unless your machine is rated to work with dairy. Neutral slush syrup makes it easy to create your own flavor combinations. Mix the neutral syrup with water to create the slushie base, then add the flavors below. Before adding the mix to your machine, test the sugar content with a refractometer. As long as your Brix measurement falls between 13% and 15%, the slushie will freeze to the perfect consistency. Try these unique combinations: Wedding Cake: Almond + White Chocolate + Vanilla Chocolate Covered Cherry: Cherry + Chocolate Lemon Chiffon: Lemon + Vanilla + White Chocolate Nutella: Chocolate + Hazelnut Amaretto Cacao: Almond + Chocolate + French Vanilla Summertime Sangria: Blackberry + Peach + Elderflower Tropical Smash: Coconut + Pineapple + Basil Lavender Lemonade Cooler: Lemon + Lavender Banoffee: Banana + Toffee + Coffee Using a refractometer to test your slush syrup mix is a quick, easy way to make the best slushies. It's especially helpful if you are mixing your own syrups. If the brix reading is right, the consistency of your slushies will be smooth and sippable.

Whether you run a hotel, hospital cafeteria, or restaurant, commercial ice machines are a crucial part of your operation. Though Follett ice machines are a great option on the market, they still break down occasionally and disrupt service. However, knowing some general troubleshooting solutions for

Vending machines provide snacks and drinks for purchase in break rooms, waiting rooms, and school cafeterias across the globe. Since vending machines don't require in-person monitoring, problems that interrupt service might go unaddressed and frustrate customers. Whether it is rejecting bills or pro

From high-end restaurants to crowded bars to small town diners, serving ice cold beverages is made simple with the right soda dispenser. The high profit margins, quick-dispensing convenience, and large variety of flavor options make soda dispensers a favorite for both owners and guests.

Thanks to its variety of flavors, textures, and colors, bubble tea continues to spread across markets. Whether you are opening a bubble tea shop or you're looking to add bubble tea to your coffee or tea shop, this boba tea supplies list will go over the essential tools, equipment, and ingredients ne

Commercial juicers are perfect for preparing fresh-made juice, collecting ingredients for a recipe, and adding a personal touch to your signature cocktails. They are available in several different types including citrus juicers, orange juice machines, and juice extractors, meaning that it is essenti

Commercial frozen drink machines allow you to prepare a variety of different beverages including slushies, smoothies, and frozen cocktails. Choose from frozen drink machines with single, double, and triple bowl designs, ensuring you find the appliance that best fits your output. You can also choose

Your bartender will delight in how quick and simple it is to whip together a batch of palatable pina coladas, delectable daiquiris, mouthwatering margaritas and more with a sleek new bar blender. Other businesses may need a more powerful food blender that can liquefy food for soups, salsas, dressing

Coffee's global popularity makes it a great item to bring onto your menu to expand your offerings or provide as an amenity at your office to boost the employee or guest experience. This guide will go over the types of coffee brewers and their pros and cons, so you can choose the best coffee maker fo

There are over 9,000 craft breweries in the United States, proving that craft beer is bigger than ever. If you're interested in opening a bar or starting your own brewery, it's important to understand the different types of beer and their unique flavors. We break down the most popular beer types so you can talk about craft beer like a pro, make recommendations, and brew your own styles. Shop All Brewery Equipment Click below to learn about the different types of beer: Pale Lager and Pilsner Dark Lager German Bock Brown Ale Pale Ale India Pale Ale Porter Stout Belgian-Style Ale Wheat Beer Wild & Sour Ale Specialty Beer Types of Beer Video Watch our video below as we go over the different types of beer. Types of Beer Here are some of the most common types of beer you'll encounter: Pale Lager and Pilsner Dark Lager Brown Ale Pale Ale India Pale Ale Porter Stout Belgian-Style Ale Wheat Beer Wild & Sour Ale Specialty Beer Beer Styles The types of beer can be broken down into hundreds of different styles, all with unique flavors, colors, and aromas. Two characteristics that are used to describe styles of beer are alcohol by volume (ABV) and international bitterness unit (IBU). What Is ABV? ABV stands for alcohol by volume and represents the percentage of alcohol in the beer. The amount of alcohol in the brew can actually affect the taste of the beer. Beers with a higher ABV have a more bitter flavor. In very strong beers, the alcohol can numb the tongue and neutralize the taste, so additional flavors are added to compensate. Brewers use ABV to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness. What Is IBU? IBU stands for international bitterness unit and is a measurement of the number of bitter flavor compounds in a beer. The IBU scale starts at zero and has no upper limit, but most beers fall between 5 IBUs and 120 IBUs. Anything higher than 120 can't be detected by the average palate. Types of Beer List Below, we identify the different types of beer and offer tips for food pairings. Don't forget to choose the right beer glass for each style so you can enhance the drinking experience for your guests: Types of Pale Lagers and Pilsners Pale lager and pilsners are golden-colored beers that are light in flavor and low in alcohol content. This style of beer became popular in what is now modern Czech Republic and Germany. American Lager American lager is light in flavor, color, and alcohol content, and it's often produced in large quantities. ABV: 3.2-4.0% IBU: 5-15 Examples: Budweiser, Coors, Pabst Blue Ribbon Pairs With: American cuisine, spicy food Serving Temperature: 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit German Helles German helles is maltier than a traditional pilsner and features a bright gold color. ABV: 4.8-5.6% IBU: 18-25 Examples: Victory Helles Lager, Stoudt's Gold Lager Pairs With: German cuisine, pork, brie Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit German Pilsner German pilsner is pale gold in color with a medium hop flavor and a slight note of maltiness. ABV: 4.6-5.3% IBU: 25-40 Examples: Troegs Sunshine Pils, Sierra Nevada's Nooner Pilsner Pairs With: German cuisine, poultry, fish, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Czech or Bohemian Pilsner Czech or bohemian pilsner is a straw-colored beer with a noticeably bitter hop flavor. These beers can sometimes have a floral aroma. ABV: 4.1-5.1% IBU: 30-45 Examples: Lagunitas PILS, Dogfish Head Piercing Pils Pairs With: Spicy food, Asian cuisine, sharp cheddar cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Dark Lagers Dark lager is malty and smooth with toasted caramel flavors. These beers tend to have mid-range alcohol content and lower bitterness profiles. Amber American Lager Amber lager features prevalent malt flavors with varying levels of hoppiness. This beer is also characterized by a darker color, caramel aroma, and smooth taste. ABV: 4.8-5.4% IBU: 18-30 Examples: Yuengling Lager, Samuel Adams Boston Lager Pairs With: American cuisine, poultry, beef, cheddar Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Oktoberfest Named for the Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Oktoberfest is a full-bodied beer with a rich, toasted flavor and a dark copper color. ABV: 5.1-6.0% IBU: 18-25 Examples: Paulaner Oktoberfest-Märzen, Victory Brewing Company Festbier Pairs With: German cuisine, meat and vegetables, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit German Schwarzbier Schwarzbier is a dark beer that is surprisingly light in flavor. Schwarzbiers are less malty than would be expected but still boast a slight sweetness. ABV: 3.8-4.9% IBU: 22-30 Examples: Shiner Bohemian Black Lager, Guinness Black Lager Pairs With: German cuisine, spicy food, muenster cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Vienna Lager Vienna lager is reddish in color with a sweet malty flavor. These beers boast a subtle hop flavor and crisp drinkability. ABV: 4.5-5.5% IBU: 22-28 Examples: Dos Equis Amber Lager, Great Lakes Eliot Ness, Blue Point Toasted Lager Pairs With: German cuisine, Mexican cuisine, pork, spicy cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of German Bocks German bocks are heavy on malty flavor, making them sweet and nutty. Bocks have lower alcohol levels, while doppelbocks, weizenbocks, and maibocks move up the alcohol scale. Traditional Bock The bock is a malty, sweet beer with a toasty flavor and a dark copper color. ABV: 6.3-7.5% IBU: 20-30 Examples: Samuel Adams Winter Lager, Great Lakes Rockefeller Bock Pairs With: German cuisine, meat and vegetables, chocolate, Camembert cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Doppelbock Doppelbocks are stronger than the traditional style and boast a higher alcohol content and a fuller body. ABV: 6.6-7.9% IBU: 17-27 Examples: Troegs Troegenator Double Bock, Samuel Adams Double Bock Pairs With: Heavy foods like red meat, pork, or ham, sharp cheeses Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Weizenbock Weizenbocks are wheat bocks and can take on fruity, malty flavors. ABV: 7.0-9.5% IBU: 15-35 Examples: Victory Brewing Company's Moonglow, Southern Tier Brewing Company's Goat Boy Pairs With: German cuisine, poultry, chocolate Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Maibock Maibocks are more pale and hoppy than traditional bocks, although the malt flavor is still present. ABV: 6.0-8.0% IBU: 20-38 Examples: Capital Maibock, Hofbrau Maibock, Smuttynose Maibock Pairs With: Italian and German cuisines, fish, shellfish, asiago, Swiss cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Brown Ales Brown ales feature malty overtones and tend to have toasty, caramel flavors. They typically feature mid-range alcohol content and hop bitterness. American Brown Ale American brown ale is a dark beer without the bitterness of porters and stouts. This style boasts a dark caramel color and a medium to full-bodied profile. ABV: 4.2-6.3% IBU: 25-45 Examples: Brooklyn Brown Ale, Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Pairs With: American cuisine, heavy foods like beef stew, red meat Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit English Brown Ale English brown ale features a nutty malt flavor with a caramel aroma. ABV: 4.0-5.5% IBU: 15-25 Examples: Newcastle Brown Ale, City Star Brewing's Bandit Brown Pairs With: American cuisine, heavy foods, red meat, poultry, gouda cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Pale Ales Pale ales are generally hoppy but lower in alcohol content than IPAs. They are typically light, drinkable beers. American Amber Ale American amber ale is a malty, medium-bodied beer with a caramel flavor and amber color. ABV: 4.4-6.1% IBU: 25-45 Examples: Lagunitas Imperial Red Ale, Stone Brewing Company's Levitation Ale Pairs With: American cuisine, meat, fish, blue cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit American Pale Ale American pale ale is a medium-bodied beer with a noticeable hop flavor and a light copper color. ABV: 4.4-5.4% IBU: 30-50 Examples: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Pale Ale, Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale Pairs With:Seafood, poultry, cheddar cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Blonde Ale Blonde ales balance the flavors of malt and hops nicely, and they often have a fruity aroma. ABV: 4.1-5.1% IBU: 15-25 Examples: Victory Brewing Company's Summer Love, Flying Fish Brewing Company's Farmhouse Summer Ale Pairs With: Italian cuisine, spicy food, fish, pepper jack cheese Serving Temperature: 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit English Bitter English bitters are named for the bitter flavor that the hops present. They have fruity flavors and lower alcohol content. ABV: 3.0-4.2% IBU: 20-35 Examples: Sharp's Brewery's Doom Bar Bitter, Surly Brewing Company's Bitter Brewer Pairs With: Fried food, fish, feta cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit English Pale Ale Also known as "extra special bitters," English pale ales have a strong hop flavor that is balanced by sweet malt. ABV: 4.5-5.5% IBU: 20-40 Examples: Black Sheep Ale, Flying Fish Extra Pale Ale Pairs With: American and English cuisines, meat, English cheeses Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of India Pale Ales (IPAs) IPAs (short for India pale ales) boast strong hop bitterness with piney and floral flavors. These beers also have high alcohol contents. American IPA American IPAs have more hops, big herbal or citrus flavors, and high bitterness compared to pale ale. ABV: 6.3-7.5% IBU: 50-70 Examples: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA Pairs With: American and Indian cuisines, meat, poultry, fish, gorgonzola cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Imperial or Double IPA Imperial or Double IPAs are American IPAs, but with a stronger flavor, hop bitterness, and a higher alcohol content. ABV: 7.0-14.0% IBU: 65-100 Examples: Russian River Brewing Company's Pliny the Elder, Lagunitas Maximus Pairs With: American cuisine, meat, fish, sharp cheddar Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit English IPA English IPAs are similar to the American style, but with a weaker hop flavor and lower alcohol content. ABV: 5.0-7.0% IBU: 35-63 Examples: Goose Island India Pale Ale, Shipyard IPA, Samuel Smith’s India Ale Pairs With: American and Indian cuisines, fish, parmesan cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Porters Porters are all dark in color, and they feature flavors reminiscent of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. They tend to be more chocolatey than brown ales, and less coffee-like than stouts. American Imperial Porter American imperial porters are dark in color, but lacking in burnt malt taste. They also boast a malty sweetness. ABV: 7.0-12.0% IBU: 35-50 Examples: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Porter, Stone Smoked Porter Pairs With: American cuisine, barbecue, meat, asiago cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit English Brown Porter English brown porter is similar to the American style but usually with a lower alcohol content and less malt sweetness. ABV: 4.5-6.0% IBU: 20-30 Examples: Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale, Arcadia London Porter Pairs With: American and English cuisines, meat, chocolate, fontina cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Robust Porter Robust porters are stronger and more bitter than a brown porter and feature a subtle caramel flavor. ABV: 5.1-6.6% IBU: 25-40 Examples: Smuttynose Robust Porter, Thomas Hooker Imperial Porter Pairs With: American and English cuisines, heavy foods like stew, colby cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Stouts Stouts are dark beers that are similar to porters but with stronger roasted flavors. This style also features mid to high alcohol levels. American Stout American stouts feature malt flavors working to create strong chocolate and coffee notes, but without overpowering hop bitterness. ABV: 5.7-8.9% IBU: 35-60 Examples: Highland Black Mocha Stout, Bell's Kalamazoo Stout Pairs With: Heavy foods, meat, oysters, chocolate, brie cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit American Imperial Stout American imperial stouts are strong dark beers with a malty flavor and a deep black color. ABV: 7.0-12.0% IBU: 50-80 F Examples: Dogfish Head Brewery's Worldwide Stout, Stoudt's Fat Dog Imperial Stout, Bell's Java Stout Pairs With: Heavy foods, poultry, aged cheddar Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Oatmeal Stout As their name suggests, oatmeal stouts feature oatmeal in their malt blend. This adds smoothness and sweetness to the beer. ABV: 3.8-6.0% IBU: 20-40 Examples: Young's Oatmeal Stout, Troegs Java Head Stout Pairs With: Meat, shellfish, chocolate, Camembert cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Milk Stout Lactose sugar adds a smooth sweetness to milk stouts. ABV: 4.0-7.0% IBU: 15-25 Examples: Young's Double Chocolate Stout, Lancaster Brewing Company's Milk Stout, Samuel Adams Cream Stout Pairs With: Mexican cuisine, beef, chocolate, ice cream, cheddar Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Irish Dry Stout Irish dry stouts are dark beers; black in color with a bitterness that comes from roasted barley. ABV: 3.8-5.0% IBU: 30-40 Examples: Guinness Draught, Murphy's Irish Stout, Beamish Irish Stout Pairs With: Heavy food like beef and stew, barbecue, burgers Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Belgian Styles Belgian beers are known for their spiced fruity flavors and high alcohol content. Despite their high ABV, belgians are usually low in bitterness. Belgian Pale Ale Belgian pale ale contains a toasted malt flavor that is subtle enough to not overpower the taste of the hops. ABV: 4.0-6.0% IBU: 20-30 Examples: Weyerbacher Brewing Company's Verboten, Samuel Adams Belgian Session Pairs With: American cuisine, fried food, fish, salad, tangy cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Dubbel Belgian dubbels feature rich and malty flavor with a spicy, fruity note. ABV: 6.3-7.6% IBU: 20-35 Examples: Chimay Premiere, Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale, Flying Fish Abbey Dubbel Pairs With: American cuisine, barbecue, meat, Limburger cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Tripel Belgian tripels are lighter-bodied beers with a slight hoppy bitterness and a high alcohol content. ABV: 7.1-10.1% IBU: 20-45 Examples: Victory Golden Monkey, Weyerbacher Merry Monks Pairs With: Pasta dishes, meat, poultry, gouda cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Quadrupel Belgian quadrupels are dark brown, full-bodied beers that exhibit flavors like brown sugar and fruit. They also have a very high alcohol content. ABV: 7.2-11.2% IBU: 25-50 Examples: Weyerbacher QUAD, Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers Pairs With: Smoked meat, goose, brie cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Strong Dark Ale Belgian strong dark ale features a very high alcohol content with complex fruity flavors. ABV: 7.0-15.0% IBU: 20-50 Examples: Bell's Brewery's Hell Hath No Fury Ale, Dogfish Head Brewery's Raison D'Etre Pairs With: American cuisine, barbecue, blue cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Saison Saisons (also known as farmhouse ales) have earthy notes and a medium hop flavor. ABV: 4.4-6.8% IBU: 20-38 Examples: Samuel Adams Rustic Saison, Dogfish Head Brewery's Noble Rot, Victory Brewing Company's Helios Pairs With: Indian and Asian cuisine, poultry, seafood, parmesan cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Wheat Beers As you might have guessed, wheat beers use wheat as their malt. They're generally lighter in color and alcohol content. Their tangy flavors go great with fruit and brewers often add seasonal fruits to wheat beer. American Pale Wheat American pale wheat beer is pale in color, lower in alcohol content, and has a light bready flavor. ABV: 3.5-5.6% IBU: 10-35 Examples: Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, Shipyard Summer Ale Pairs With: Mexican cuisine, spicy food, poultry, mozzarella cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Witbier Witbier gets its name from its white color and has a light, fruity flavor to match. ABV: 4.8-5.6% IBU: 10-17 Examples: Hoegaarden White Ale, Dogfish Head Brewery's Namaste, Blue Moon Belgian White, Victory Brewing Company's Whirlwind Witbier Pairs With: Seafood, poultry, pork, salad, soft cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Berliner Weisse Berliner Weisse is tart, sour beer with a pale color. Sometimes raspberry syrup is added to dull the sour taste. ABV: 2.8-3.4% IBU: 3-6 Examples: Dogfish Head's Festina Peche, Freetail Brewing Company's Yo Soy Un Berliner Pairs With: German cuisine, ham, salad, soft cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Dunkelweizen Dunkelweizen is a darker version of a Hefeweizen. These beers have a malty flavor with hints of banana. ABV: 4.8-5.4% IBU: 10-15 Examples: Samuel Adams Dunkelweizen, Franziskaner Hefe-Weisse Dunkel Pairs With: German and Indian cuisines, fish, goat cheese Serving Temperature: 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit Hefeweizen Hefeweizen is a light-colored wheat beer with a crisp taste that can sometimes have hints of cloves or apples. ABV: 4.9-5.6% IBU: 10-15 Examples: Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen, Magic Hat Circus Boy Pairs With: German cuisine, seafood, fish, brick cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Wild & Sour Ales Wild or sour ales are typically very low in alcohol, and feature tart, sour flavors that come from (safe) bacteria in the brew mash. American Sour American sour beer packs a wild punch from the bacteria used in the fermentation process. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Samuel Adams American Kriek, Weyerbacher Riserva Pairs With: Fruit, strong cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Fruit Lambic Belgian fruit lambics are brewed with fruit to make an intense sweet and sour flavor. ABV: 5.0-8.9% IBU: 15-21 Examples: Upland Brewing Company's Raspberry Lambic, Dogfish Head Festina Lente Pairs With: Fruit, salad, chocolate, soft cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Flanders Red Ale Flanders red ale evokes a malty, fruity flavor underneath a strong sour taste brought on by Lactobacillus bacteria during fermentation. ABV: 4.8-6.6% IBU: 5-18 Examples: New Belgium Lips of Faith La Folie, The Lost Abbey's Red Poppy Ale Pairs With: Meat, blue cheese, cheddar cheese Serving Temperature: 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit Belgian Gueuze Gueuzes are aged beers that give off a very strong sour flavor. ABV: 6.2-8.1% IBU: 9-23 Examples: Brouwerij Boon's Boon Gueuze, The Bruery's Rueuze Pairs With: Strong cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Types of Specialty Beers Beers made with additional spices, flavorings, or fruits are called specialty beers. Any lager or ale can be made into a specialty beer by adding ingredients to enhance the flavor. American Black Ale American black ales are dark in color and feature a malty, roasted flavor with medium to high hop bitterness. This style is sometimes called a black IPA. ABV: 6.0-7.5% IBU: 50-75 Examples: Lagunitas NightTime, Founders Dark Penance, Victory Yakima Glory Pairs With: Aged cheeses, seafood, chocolate Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Barrel-Aged Beer A barrel-aged beer is any type of beer that has been aged in a wooden barrel. Sometimes these barrels have been used to hold bourbon, wine, or other spirits, adding to the flavor of the beer. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Allagash Curieux (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Tripel), Great Lakes Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout, Narwhal Imperial Stout (Barrel Aged) Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Chocolate Beer Chocolate or cocoa can be added to any style (lager or ale) to form a delicious chocolate beer. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 15-40 Examples: Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock, Shenandoah Chocolate Donut Beer, Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Coffee Beer Coffee beer is typically a porter or stout with added coffee flavor. This flavor can be achieved by steeping coffee beans in water or the beer mixture. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 15-45 Examples: Samuel Adams Black & Brew Coffee Stout, Sierra Nevada Coffee Stout, Stone Brewing Company’s Coffee Milk Stout Pairs With: Meaty stew, hard cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Fruit and Vegetable Beer Any type of beer can be infused with fruit and vegetable flavors, so flavors will vary greatly. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 5-50 Examples: Samuel Adams Rebel Grapefruit IPA, Modern Times Beer’s Fruitlands Sour Cherry Gose, Weyerbacher’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale Pairs With: Salad, brie cheese Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Gluten Free Beer Gluten free beer is brewed with fermentable sugars and grains that do not contain gluten. These beers vary in color, flavor, and alcohol content. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Wicked Weed Brewing’s Gluten FREEk, Widmer Brothers Brewing Company’s Omission IPA, Lakefront Brewery’s New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: Varies Herb and Spice Beer Herb and spice beer is any lager or ale that has added flavors from roots, herbs, or other spices. Many pumpkin spice and seasonal fall beers are examples of this style. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: 5-40 Examples: Dogfish Head’s Midas Touch, Rogue Ales’ Juniper Pale Ale, Small Town Brewery’s Not Your Father’s Root Beer Pairs With: Varies Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit Honey Beer Honey beers are ales or lagers that are brewed with honey to add sweetness and unique flavor. ABV: 2.5-12.0% IBU: Varies Examples: Boulder Beer’s A Honey of a Saison, Samuel Adams Honey Queen, Burial Beer Company’s The Keeper’s Veil Honey Saison Pairs With: Salad, light creamy cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Pumpkin Beer Pumpkin beer is brewed with fresh pumpkin and common fall spices. These beers are increasingly popular and can be made with lagers, ales, and sour beers. ABV: 2.3-5.0% IBU: 5-70 Examples: Elysian Brewing Company’s Night Owl Pumpkin Ale, Weyerbacher Brewing Company’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale, Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale, Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale Pairs With: Poultry, soft creamy cheeses Serving Temperature: 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit Rye Beer Rye beer often features malty, roasted flavors, with lower hop bitterness. Rye beers can be made as ales or as lagers, and will either take on a sweet or spicy flavor. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Founders Red’s Rye IPA, Great Lakes’ Rye of the Tiger IPA, The Bruery’s Sour in the Rye Pairs With: Spicy meat, creamy cheeses Serving Temperature: 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit Session Beer Any style of beer can be brewed as a session beer, as sessions are simply less strong, more drinkable beers that are perfect for summertime consumption. ABV: 3.5-5.0% IBU: 10-35 Examples: New Belgium Brewing’s Slow Ride Session IPA, Samuel Adams Rebel Rider Session IPA, Victory Brewing Company’s Swing Session Saison Pairs With: American cuisine, spicy food Serving Temperature: 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit Smoke Beer Smoke beer is any beer that is brewed with malt that has been kilned over an open fire. The smoke adds a noticeable, but not overpowering flavor, which is inspired by traditional German rauchbier. ABV: Varies IBU: Varies Examples: Ithaca Beer Company's Gorges Smoked Porter, Goose Island Beer Company’s Prairie Smoke, Denver Beer Company’s Smoked Lager Pairs With: Roasted vegetables, hard cheese Serving Temperature: 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit Back to Top Lager vs Ale Most types of beer are classified as either lagers or ales. Lagers are made with yeast that ferments at the bottom of the beer mixture, and ales are made with yeast that ferments at the top. Besides the yeast used to make lagers and ales, there are spontaneously fermenting yeasts, which produce wild or sour beers. Pale Ale vs India Pale Ale Although often confused with each other, pale ales and India pale ales have some distinct differences. Pale ales tend to have a softer less-bitter taste, while India pale ales usually have a strong hoppy taste. Additionally, India pale ales tend to have a slightly higher alcohol content than pale ales do, further contributing to their stronger taste. Top Fermenting Beers The yeast that is used in ale production ferments throughout the beer and settles at the top of the liquid. It has a higher tolerance to alcohol and ferments at warmer temperatures when compared to the yeast that’s used to make lager. IPAs, stouts, and wheat beers are all examples of top fermenting ales. Bottom Fermenting Beers The yeast used in lager production is more fragile than what’s used to make ale, and it settles at the bottom of the liquid vessel after fermentation. It needs to ferment more slowly and at cooler temperatures than the yeast that’s used in ale production, and it has a lower tolerance to alcohol. Pilsners, bocks, and Okerberfests are all examples of bottom fermenting lagers. Spontaneous Fermentation Beer Lambics and sour beers are made with a process called spontaneous fermentation. This type of fermentation occurs when beer is exposed to wild bacteria and yeast. These beers originated in Belgium, but brewers all over the world have found ways to manipulate this process to create sour, funky-tasting beers of their own. The American sour, Belgian gueuze, and Flanders red ale are all examples of spontaneously fermented beers. Back to Top Now that you know more about the different types of beer that are out there, hopefully you are inspired to add something unique to your beer list. Use this guide to help you and your servers feel more confident about recommending beers to customers, or maybe even create a menu that is centered on perfect beer pairings.

No matter what type of establishment you run, freshly brewed coffee is always a hot commodity. Our commercial coffee maker reviews outline a variety of different features, like hot water faucets and reservoir tank size, to help you give your customers what they're looking for. Our light duty pourove

The perfect cup of coffee starts with the perfect grind. Just like there are multiple types of coffee roasts, there are multiple grind consistencies and methods. Our comprehensive coffee grinding guide outlines everything you need to know about grinding coffee beans. Shop All Commercial Coffee Grinders Click below to learn everything you need to know about grinding coffee: Different Coffee Grinds Coffee Grind Size Chart Types of Coffee Grinders How to Store Ground Coffee Coffee Extraction Explained Types of Coffee Grinds Discover the types of coffee grinds baristas prepare and how how they brew each one. After learning about the different coffee grinds and their extraction rate, use our coffee maker guide to pick the best brewing equipment for your business. 1. Extra Coarse Ground Coffee Extra coarse ground coffee has the consistency of peppercorns and takes a long time to release its flavor. Slow brewing methods such as cold brewing work best for extra-coarse ground coffee. Extra Coarse Ground Coffee Uses: Cold Brew Cowboy Coffee Extraction Rate: Extremely Slow 2. Coarse Ground Coffee Coarse ground coffee has the consistency of sea salt and requires extended brew times. Grinding coarse coffee keeps a lot of the bean intact, preserving its flavor/aroma. Q Graders prefer coarse ground coffee for coffee cupping. Coffee cupping is the professional process of observing the flavors and aromas in brewed coffee. The Coffee Quality Institute licenses Q Graders to weigh coffee against the Specialty Coffee Association's methods and practices. Coarse coffee grounds supply the richness coffee cupping requires. Coarse Ground Coffee Uses: French Press Percolators Cupping/Tasting Extraction Rate: Very Slow 3. Medium-Coarse Ground Coffee Medium-coarse ground coffee has the consistency of rough sand. Slow immersion ensures full saturation when using medium-coarse ground coffee. Medium-Coarse Ground Coffee Uses: Immersion Brewers Batch Brewers Extraction Rate: Slow 4. Medium Ground Coffee Medium coffee grounds resemble regular sand. Their middle-of-the-road consistency rarely leads to either over or under extraction. Grinding medium-ground coffee beans is the least involved way to achieve a delicious cup of coffee. While its flavor payoff is lower than other grind consistencies, medium ground coffee is a good option for restaurants that do not specialize in coffee but want to offer delicious coffee that enhances their menu. Medium Ground Coffee Uses: Drip Brewers with Flat Bottom Filters Single-Serve Brewers Vacuum Brewers Stovetop Brewers Extraction Rate: Moderate 5. Medium-Fine Ground Coffee Between the sand consistency of medium ground coffee and the sugar consistency of fine ground coffee lies medium-fine ground coffee. This coffee grind consistency is ideal for pour-over coffee brewing. Once you master the pour-over method, medium-fine grounds produce perfectly extracted cups of coffee. Medium-Fine Ground Coffee Uses: Pour Over Brewers Drip Brewers with Cone Shaped Filters Extraction Rate: Slightly Faster Than Medium 6. Fine Ground Coffee Your fine ground coffee should look and feel like sugar. Fine coffee grounds work best with brewing methods where the grounds briefly contact water. Otherwise, you end up with an over-extracted final product. The best grind consistency for espresso is fine grinding. Espresso machines build up pressure that forces water through finely-ground coffee. Fine Ground Coffee Uses: Espresso Machines Extraction Rate: Fast 7. Extra Fine Ground Coffee Extra fine ground coffee should be the consistency of powdered sugar. Few types of coffee require extra-fine coffee grounds, so the extra-fine grind isn’t usually achievable with commercial coffee grinders. If you know you’ll need this coffee grind consistency, make sure you choose a grinder that produces extra-fine coffee grounds. Extra Fine Ground Coffee Uses: Turkish Coffee Arabic Coffee Extraction Rate: Very Fast Back to Top Coffee Grind Chart Knowing the different grind sizes helps you brew rich and smooth coffee drinks. It also helps entrepreneurs choose equipment when they're starting a coffee shop. Use this coffee grind chart to find the right grind size for your brewing method. Coffee Grind Size Chart PDF Types of Coffee Grinders Coffee grinders and espresso grinders are essential items on any coffee shop equipment checklist. There are four main types of coffee grinders: burr, blade, roller, and pounding. We explain how each type of coffee grinder works below. Burr Coffee Grinders - Burr coffee grinders crush coffee beans between two wheels or conical grinding elements without adding frictional heat (which cooks the coffee beans). This releases the coffee bean oils, so they are easy to extract during the brewing process. The coffee ground in a burr coffee grinder is uniform which leads to even extraction. Most units allow you to move the abrasive wheels/cones closer or further apart to adjust your grind size. Conical burr models produce even less friction heat and preserve more coffee bean aroma than disc grinders, but they are more expensive. Blade Coffee Grinders - Blade coffee grinders chop coffee beans with a high-speed blade/propeller whirling between 20,000 to 30,000 RPM. This method often produces uneven coffee grounds which makes proper extraction challenging. A blade coffee grinder adds friction heat to coffee beans, reducing their flavor quality before brewing. In general, blade coffee grinders aren’t your best option for producing high-quality cups of coffee. Roller Coffee Grinders - Roller coffee grinders pass coffee beans through two corrugated rollers which produce inconsistent coffee grounds. Varied coffee grind sizes tend to create acidic and bitter cups of coffee. Roller coffee grinders expose the coffee beans to a lot of frictional heat, stripping them of their aroma. Pounding Coffee Grinders - Pounding coffee grinders create a fine coffee powder by pounding the beans with a mortar and pestle. Very few coffee beverages require a pounding coffee grinder, but it is necessary for making Turkish and Arabic coffee. Back to Top How to Store Ground Coffee For optimum freshness, store ground coffee in a nontransparent, airtight container. Place the container of ground coffee on a pantry shelf away from heat, light, and moisture. Storing Coffee in the Freezer Storing Future-Use Coffee Beans in the Freezer - You can store whole coffee beans in the freezer for up to a month if you do not use/disturb them within that period. Before freezing your coffee beans, divide them into small portions in airtight bags. Defrost frozen coffee beans on a shelf away from heat, light, and moisture. Grind and brew your coffee beans within two weeks of thawing them. Storing Daily-Use Coffee Beans in the Freezer - Never store the coffee you use daily in the freezer. When you store daily-use coffee in the freezer, you expose it to fluctuating temperatures, which produce moisture. Moisture changes the cell structure of coffee and damages its aroma and flavor. How Long Does Coffee Last? Whole coffee beans stay fresh for two to three weeks before their quality and flavor reduce. Pre-ground coffee holds its peak freshness for approximately 30 minutes. Coffee beans are the seeds of small cherries that grow on coffee plants, so you should approach coffee bean freshness with the same mindset you would any other plant product. Just like you wouldn’t cut pineapple and serve it to guests three months later, you shouldn’t grind coffee and serve it to guests months later either. Back to Top What Is Coffee Extraction? Coffee extraction occurs during the brewing process. It is the art of diffusing coffee beans' natural coffee solubles into water. Desirable coffee solubles include lipids, carbohydrates, melanoidins, caffeine, and acids. If too few coffee solubles permeate the water, the brew’s flavor is weak. However, if the solubles over-saturate the water, the brewed coffee will taste bitter. The ideal coffee bean extraction percentage lies between 18-22%. How to achieve ideal extraction varies by the size of your coffee grounds. The more intact your coffee beans are, the slower their extraction rate is. This is neither good nor bad, you just need to match your brewing method with your grind size. Choosing the wrong grind size for your coffee brewing method will ruin your beans and yield either under or over extracted cups of coffee. Here are the coffee extraction terms you need to know: Balanced Extraction tastes rich with balanced acidity and offers a velvety palatal sensation. It is easy to achieve a balanced extraction when your coffee grounds are uniform. Under-Extracted Coffee tastes sour and tangy because it doesn’t have enough coffee solubles. Over-Extracted Coffee tastes bitter because it has an overpowering amount of coffee solubles. What Makes Coffee Bitter? Over-extraction makes coffee bitter. When coffee beans are ground too fine for their brewing method, brewed too long, or are steeped in scalding water, the coffee grounds over-extract, lose their flavor, and yield bitter cups of coffee. In contrast, under-extracted coffee is sour, salty, and acidic tasting. How to Make Coffee Taste Good The secret to making coffee taste good is having symmetrical coffee grounds, water between 195- and 205-degrees Fahrenheit, and the appropriate brew time for your brewing method. Check out our troubleshooting advice and transform your bitter or sour-tasting coffee into delicious beverages. You'll also want to clean your coffee grinder regularly to prevent rancid flavors from transferring into your coffee. How to Fix Bitter Coffee Use coarser coffee grounds Raise the water temperature Reduce the brew time How to Fix Sour Coffee Use finer coffee grounds Lower the water temperature Extend the brew time Back to Top You don't need an expensive coffee maker to serve a delicious cup of coffee. Grinding your coffee beans is the least expensive way to achieve balanced extraction and delight guests with smooth and rich cups of coffee. Reference back to our coffee grind chart to achieve the right coffee grind consistency for your brewing method.

Use these beer dispenser reviews to find the best unit for your bar. You can ensure that beer is available and flowing for your customers by installing reliable beer dispensers in your bar. A beer dispenser allows you to serve multiple types of beer for your guests within minutes, making them perfe

Java, Joe, liquid energy, and brew are just some of the terms used to describe one of the world’s most highly consumed beverages - coffee. Did you know different coffee brewing methods affect the taste and aroma of your coffees? Understanding the types of brewing methods helps you choose the right coffee equipment for your business and improves your staff’s knowledge and success! Shop All Coffee Shop Equipment Click below to learn about different ways to make coffee: Drip Coffee French Press Coffee Espresso Machine Coffee Pourover Coffee Cold Brew Coffee Ways to Make Coffee Once coffee beans have been harvested and roasted, it’s time to convert them into a liquid. Understanding the different brewing methods is essential when running a successful cafe since each technique produces a different flavor, brew time, and caffeine level for your customers’ favorite drinks. 1. Drip Coffee Coffee that comes from a drip coffee maker is brewed through a filter containing the ground, coarse coffee beans as boiling water is “dripped” on top. The filter leaves behind the ground coffee beans as liquid passes through and into a decanter or coffee pot that is then used for serving. Making drip coffee takes more time compared to using an espresso machine since hot water is in contact with the ground coffee beans for a longer period. When comparing drip coffee to pressed, drip coffee can produce coffee in a faster amount of time since water doesn't need to be steeped. How to Use a Drip Coffee Maker Drip coffee makers are easy to use and don't require the mastering of any skills, which makes them ideal for busy diners and restaurants. Just follow the simple instructions below and make sure the decanter is in place before you brew! Place a new coffee filter in the drip coffee maker. Add ground coffee beans to the filter in a ratio of 2 tablespoons to every cup of water. Add filtered water to the reservoir container. Program the machine to brew at a certain time, or press the brew button to start working immediately. 2. French Press Coffee French pressed coffee is intended to be consumed immediately after brewing. Some coffee drinkers believe that making french press coffee produces a beverage that contains a stronger flavor compared to a drip coffee machine since it allows the oils from the ground coffee beans to mix with the water. A french press features a cylindrical glass carafe with a mesh filter inside which separates the ground coffee from the hot water. When it’s time to pour and serve, a lever is pushed down which strains and separates the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee, leaving the grounds on the bottom and liquid coffee above the filter. Before brewing with a french press coffee maker, coffee should be ground to a medium or coarse grind to obtain the best flavor possible. This also prevents any grounds from passing through the filter. A benefit of using a french press compared to a drip coffee maker is that you’re able to regulate the temperature of the water so your beans reach the maximum potential flavor possible when brewing. Also, filters aren’t needed since a pressing screen is used at the very end to separate the grounds from the liquid coffee. How to Use a French Press Follow these steps to make french press coffee: Add ground coffee to the bottom of the french press carafe. Use a ratio of 1 tablespoon ground coffee to 4 oz. of water. Bring water to a boil (about 195 degrees Fahrenheit) and add to the french press carafe. Stir to mix with the coffee grounds. Place the lid and filter on top of the press and steep 90 seconds to 4 minutes depending on your desired flavor. The longer you let your coffee steep, the stronger the flavor will be. Press down on the french press “plunger” with a firm, yet slow motion to strain the beans from the liquid brew. 3. Espresso Machine Coffee Besides the method of brewing, another difference between dripped, french pressed coffee, and espresso is the texture and size of the types of coffee grounds used. Espresso beans are ground much finer than drip and french pressed coffee and resemble the consistency of powdered sugar, which are then brewed using an espresso machine. The ground coffee beans are placed into a portafilter, which is the handled part of an espresso machine that attaches to the machine’s gasket. Next, the brewing process begins when water is pressurized through the beans to produce a liquid. Espresso machines are designed to force a small amount of hot water through the coffee grounds at a very fast speed, and a single shot of espresso can take as little as 20 seconds to brew. Espresso is stronger in taste than other brewing methods. It also has a creamier mouthfeel because a small layer of froth, called crema, is produced during brewing. How to Use An Espresso Machine Follow these steps to use an espresso machine: Grind coffee beans to a consistency of powdered sugar. Pour filtered water into the espresso machine’s water chamber. Use 1 oz. of water for every shot of espresso desired. Add espresso grounds to the portafilter. Use a tamping tool to pack the grounds into the portafilter. Place an espresso cup underneath the espresso machine’s spout to catch the liquid. Place the portafilter into its holder and lock into position. Press the “start” button and espresso will be extracted in as little as 20 seconds. 4. Pourover Coffee The pourover coffee method is a slow, careful technique that requires steady hand pouring. It’s not efficient for large volumes of coffee, but it’s the best method for showing off the flavor and aroma of small-batch single origin roasts. To perform the pourover brewing method, you'll need coffee grounds, paper filters, a gooseneck water kettle, and a pourover dripper. Drippers are funnel-shaped vessels that hold the filter. Some pourover drippers have a carafe that collects the freshly brewed coffee, and some drippers are meant to be placed over a coffee mug. Follow these steps to make coffee with the manual pourover method: How to Make Pourover Coffee Boil filtered water and transfer it to a kettle with a gooseneck spout. A long, skinny spout makes it easier to control the pour. Place the coffee filter into the dripper funnel and rinse it with hot water. Grind your coffee beans to medium or medium-fine and add the desired amount to the filter. Pour a small amount of water over the grounds and let them sit for 30 to 40 seconds. This is called blooming the beans and it releases any carbon dioxide in the grounds. After blooming the grounds, start pouring water over the coffee very slowly. Use a circular motion and make sure to saturate all grounds. It takes about three minutes for the brewing process to be complete. 5. Cold Brew Coffee The process for making cold brew coffee is a lot different than standard brewing. First of all, the coffee is steeped in cold or room temperature water instead of hot water. The steeping process itself lasts for an extended period, usually overnight. This style of brewing produces coffee that’s highly concentrated with higher amounts of caffeine than drip coffee. Cold brew coffee has become popular for several reasons. It has a smoother taste with less acidity and bitterness than drip coffee. You can also make it in large batches that keep in the refrigerator for periods up to two weeks. This is useful for coffee shops and cafes that sell large volumes of coffee. If you want to learn how to make your own cold brew, check out our large batch cold brew recipe guide. We’ll walk you through each step, from grinding to storage. Whether you run a busy coffee shop, bakery, bistro, or diner, understanding the various coffee brewing techniques is essential to running a successful coffee service. Now that you understand the various methods of brewing coffee, you can create a wide variety of coffee drinks ranging from cappuccinos and lattes to breves and mochas. With this basic knowledge, you and your staff will be able to adequately determine which type of coffee and technique is best suited for your business, as well as your customers’ needs.

Whether you’re brewing single or double espresso shots, macchiatos, or lattes, our commercial espresso machine reviews will help you find the best option for your cafe, coffee shop, or restaurant. Choose from lighter duty, single cup brewers for sporadic orders, or browse our multi-grouphead models

Breweries are popular with a variety of customers, whether they're a casual beer drinker, a craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for a place to spend Friday night. As the demand and popularity of beer continues to rise, so does the interest in new breweries. If you’re considering opening a brewery of your own, we’ve compiled a list of steps and tips to help guide you through the process and successfully open your own business. Shop All Brewery Equipment Click any of the tips below to read the section that interests you: Write a Brewery Business Plan Choose a Brewery Concept Determine the Cost of Starting a Brewery Secure Brewery Funding Apply for Permits and Licenses Choose a Brewery Location Buy Brewery Equipment Create a Draft List and Menu Advertise Your Brewery Host a Soft Opening Continue reading to learn about how to open your own brewery! 1. Write a Brewery Business Plan A business plan is one of the most important steps for starting any business. Not only does it act as a roadmap that guides you through the process of opening your business, but it is essential for securing funding from investors. A good business plan includes detailed information on your concept, market, business structure, and financial situation. For additional information on this topic, consider reading our piece on how to write a restaurant business plan. 2. Choose a Brewery Concept Your concept is what defines your brewery. It influences everything from how customers will identify you as a company, to the messaging you target in advertisements, to the type of employees you’ll hire. To identify your brewery concept, you’ll have to choose a name, identify your brand, and determine what type of brewery you want to operate. Naming Your Brewery Choosing a name for your brewery can be a daunting task, not just because there are so many options to choose from, but because your choice will define your company for years to come. As you go through the process of choosing a name for your brewery, keep in mind that a good name will share the following traits: Original: The first and most obvious step in choosing a name for your brewery is making sure that it isn’t already taken. Additionally, be careful not to choose a name that is too similar to an existing name. Not only will this help you to protect yourself and secure a trademark, but it can help to avoid lawsuits from other brands who might think you’ve infringed on their intellectual property. Memorable: Choose a name that your customers will remember. A good starting point is to aim for a name that’s easy to spell and pronounce. Furthermore, choosing a name that rolls off the tongue and is fun to say can help to make your name memorable. Reflective: The name you choose should reflect your company. Try to create a list of what distinguishes your brand from others, or what defines you as a company. For example, if your brewery is located in Boston, you might choose something that reflects the culture of New England Broad: Your brewery’s name should be able to have broad appeal and lend itself to a variety of branding opportunities, themes, and products. Choosing a name that is too specific can limit the number of opportunities you have, and by extension prohibit growth. Identify Your Brand Identifying a brand is an essential part of establishing yourself as a brewery. Your brand can help you to connect with potential customers, identify target markets, hire employees, and strategize the direction of your business. To identify your brand, start by determining your company values. Understanding what matters to your company and employees is a key part of your branding. Once you’ve done this, you can discover your target audience and the emotion behind your products. It’s not enough just to identify a brand and move on. Once you’ve determined your values, key demographics, and emotional impact, you have to make an effort to create continuity. This means following through on your promises and acting in accordance with the values of your company. Doing so will allow you to truly establish yourself in the industry, within the community, and with your employees. Choose a Type of Brewery The increased demand for beer has lead to innovation in the industry, and by extension, a variety of brewery types. Though they differ in size, scale, and impact, each brewery serves a specific function and can be effective given your goals. Nano Brewery: As its name suggests, a nano brewery is the smallest type of brewery. There isn't a set amount of beer that a nano brewery is allowed to produce until they officially scale up to micro-sized. Microbrewery: A microbrewery is defined as a brewery that produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer annually. These types of breweries are typically independently owned, and sell the majority of their products onsite rather than through beer distributors. Brewpub: A brewpub is a hybrid between a restaurant and a brewery. Most of their beer is brewed for the purpose of being sold to customers at their bar. Taproom Brewery: Taproom breweries are professional breweries which sell beer onsite and through distributors, yet don't offer restaurant services to guests. Often times, the taproom will be attached to the brewery itself. Regional Brewery: A regional brewery is defined as a brewery that produces between 15,000 and 6,00,000 barrels of beer per year. Breweries which exceed this level of output are recognized worldwide. Contract Brewing Company: A contract brewing company hires other breweries to produce their beer. The hiring company retains the responsibility of marketing and distributing the beer while the company they've hired is responsible for production and packaging. 3. Determine the Cost of Starting a Brewery Because there are so many different types of breweries, the cost of opening your own can vary quite a bit. Several factors including how much beer you plan on producing, the possibility of serving food and maintaining a dining room, and the size of the property you’ll be operating in can influence the price of your brewery. Below, we've listed the estimated costs of a brewery's various expenses. Brewery Equipment Cost: The amount you pay for brewing equipment ultimately depends on the size of your brewery and whether you buy it new or used. You can purchase brewing equipment with the smallest capacity for $100,000 or less if you buy it used, or pay up to $1 million or more for a brand-new, 30-barrel system. Furniture Cost: Depending on the style and level of quality you're looking for in your brewery, the price of. restaurant furniture in your restaurant can range from as low as $4,000 to as high as $15,000. Rent or Mortgage Payments: When you decide on retail space to operate your brewery out of, take into account how much space you’ll need. It’s essential to have enough space for your utilities and brewing equipment. Additionally, if you plan on operating a taproom, make sure there is enough space for guests to comfortably dine. Regardless, the cost of retail rent is determined by square foot and can range from anywhere from $10/square foot to as high as $30/square foot. What Is the Average Cost of Starting a Brewery? In total, the cost of opening a brewery can range from as low as $250,000 to upwards of $2 million. However, for a standard brewery, it's reasonable to expect that value to fall between the range of $500,000 and $1.5 million. The average cost of opening a brewery is dependant on a number of factors which vary based on your concept, location, needs, and preferences. 4. Secure Brewery Funding A key step in opening your brewery is to secure funding. While you may have money saved up, chances are you’ll still have to seek additional funding. Consider the following options as ways to acquire extra capital and continue the process of opening your brewery: Self-Funding: As was mentioned above, it’s possible to fund your brewery, at least in part, with your own money. However, due to the high cost associated with acquiring equipment, permits, and other expenses, you'll likely have to look for additional funding from outside sources. Investors: One possible source of funding can come through investors. With a good business plan and a strong meeting in which you pitch your plan to an investor or group of investors, they may consider giving you money to fund your brewery. Keep in mind that once they’ve invested, they’ll have a vested interest in your business and will likely want to stay informed. Loans: A variety of loan opportunities exist for people interested in opening a business. Among them are traditional bank loans, small business loans, and equipment loans. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a relatively new yet effective method of securing funding. Websites such as GoFundMe let supporters donate money towards your brewery, allowing you to set funding goals and provide updates on business development. 5. Apply for Permits and Licenses To legally own and operate a brewery, or any business that produces or sells alcohol, you’ll have to apply for a liquor license. Depending on your production and serving needs, you have the option of applying for a limited license, which allows you to sell specific types or quantities of alcohol, or a full license. Cost of Liquor Licenses The cost and availability of liquor licenses can vary depending on what state you live in. In some instances, acquiring a license can cost you as low as $3,000, yet in others, it can cost upwards of $400,000. Additionally, many states require an application fee to be considered for a liquor license. In some states, such as Pennsylvania, there are only a set number of licenses in circulation, meaning that you may have to apply for a transfer or pay higher costs to acquire one. Cost of Restaurant Licenses Since many breweries choose to serve food as well as beer, you may want to investigate the cost of restaurant licenses and permits. A food service license certifies that your business meets all regulations and standards and has been deemed fit to serve food to customers. As with all fees, the amount you have to pay can vary depending on a number of factors. Nevertheless, it's safe to assume the cost will fall somewhere between the range of $100 and $1,000. Back to Top 6. Choose a Brewery Location Choosing a location for your brewery represents a significant investment. Therefore, you must consider a variety of factors to make the best decision for you and your brewery’s future. Consider the following details as you search for a location to start your brewery: Zoning: Your brewery location will be determined by local government zoning regulations. In most cases, breweries can only be located in zones designated for industry. Nevertheless, these regulations can vary depending on where you are, so check in with your local government before making a decision. Brewery Requirements: You won't be able to run a successful brewery if you choose a building that doesn't fit your needs. For example, if you plan on producing a large amount of beer, be sure to find a building where you’ll be able to efficiently carry out production. Building Space: Be sure to find a building that has enough space for you and your staff to comfortably work. Key factors to consider include storage space, space for equipment and machines, and possible dining areas for guests. Additionally, find a building that has adequate parking spots for your employees, guests, and yourself. Safety Precautions: As with any business, the most important thing to consider is safety. Make sure the building you choose will pass safety inspections and allow you to safely carry out day-to-day operations. 7. Buy Brewery Equipment A key step in starting a new brewery is investing in the right equipment and supplies to start brewing beers and serving customers. While the quality and amount of equipment you need will vary depending on the size of your business, there are a few essential categories of equipment and supplies that you'll have to buy before you can get to work. Beer Brewing Equipment: You can't start brewing beer if you don't have the right equipment. Be sure to invest in fermenters, boiling equipment, and brew kettles to make sure you’re ready to start making your own brews! Beer Bottling and Packaging Supplies: Bottling and packaging supplies can help to simplify the packaging process and make sure that every customer is satisfied with their order. Commonly used bottling and packaging supplies can range from equipment such as growler fillers to simple packaging products such as labels and beverage shippers. Keg Tapping, Dispensing, and Serving Equipment: If you plan on serving beer on-site, make sure you invest in your own keg tapping, dispensing, and serving equipment. This can include beer dispensers, tap towers, nitro infuser boxes, and pump keg taps. Refrigeration Equipment: It’s essential to invest in refrigeration equipment to keep your brews cool and refreshing. Depending on the size of your brewery, your refrigeration equipment can range from countertop bottle coolers to walk-in refrigerators. Keg Storage: Keep your brewery organized by shopping for keg storage products. Consider investing resources into keg racks to improve your storage capacity and stay organized. Additionally, purchase hand trucks and drum handling equipment to safely and efficiently transport kegs throughout your brewery. Beer Making Accessories: While they may not be required for the brewing process, beer making accessories can make your brewing experience easier and help you to further customize your brews. Consider buying your own test strips and meters, stock pots, and portion scales to upgrade your brewing experience. Beer Glasses: Keep your brewery stocked with a variety of beer glasses to accommodate any new brews you might plan on introducing. Examples of the different types of beer glasses include Belgian beer glasses, pilsner beer glasses, and IPA beer glasses. Beer Ingredients and Flavorings: Stock your kitchen with a variety of beer ingredients and flavorings to make sure you have everything you need to customize your brews. This includes honey, cocktail bitters, wood chips and chunks, liquid malt extract, and a variety of other products. 8. Create a Draft List and Menu Once you’ve acquired equipment and established what kind of brewery you want to open, you’ll have to create a draft list and menu. A balanced draft list allows your guests to choose from a variety of beers and helps you to showcase your products. Consider keeping at least one of each of these types of beer characteristics on tap: Light: The definition of a light beer varies depending on where you are in the world. In general, it’s described as a pale beer that features has a reduced alcohol content or amount of calories. Additionally, light beers typically feature a lower amount of carbohydrates. Malt: Malt beers often feature a rich combination of flavors, often with a hint of sweetness or nuttiness. Despite what their rich flavors may suggest, malt beers come in a variety of colors and alcohol percentages. Roast: Roasted brews are often dark in color, are made from highly roasted malt grains, and are distinguishable by their rich flavors and deep colors. Common flavors of roasted brews include coffee and cocoa. Tart: Tart brews, as their names suggest, feature a sour, almost acidic taste. While many tart beers are lighter in color, it's possible for them to have medium or even darker shades. Their earthy and sometimes fruity taste differentiate them from other brews. Hoppy: A hoppy beer is defined by it’s prominent sweetness, bitterness, flavor, and aroma. You're likely to get the most intense flavors in hoppy beers, with the most common being pine, herbal, and fruity. High IBU: IBU stands for International Bitterness Units scale, and exists to measure a beer’s bitterness. A beer with a high IBU will be more bitter than one with a lower IBU. High ABV: ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume, and is a standard measurement to assess the strength of a beer. A higher ABV means that your beer is more alcoholic. Brewery Menu When creating your menu, it’s important to choose foods that pair well with beer. Consider adding the following foods to your menu if you plan on serving food in your brewery: French Fries Onion Rings Nachos Wings Mozzarella Sticks Sliders Chips and Dip 9. Advertise Your Brewery Before you open your new brewery, it’s essential to start advertising your new business to increase public awareness and drum up excitement for your grand opening. The cost of marketing can vary depending on which forms you use, but in general, the average small business spends 1-2% of their annual revenue on advertising. Consider using the following forms of advertising as you establish a marketing campaign for your new brewery: Print Advertising Billboards and Signage Radio Commercials Television Commercials Online Advertising Additionally, depending on your location, you may have the opportunity to enter into a beer festival. Events like these allow a variety of breweries to showcase their brews for a large number of people, and often feature music, entertainment, and food. 10. Host a Soft Opening Once everything is in place, it’s time to prepare for your grand opening. Before you officially open your doors to the public, consider hosting a soft opening. Not only does this allow you to continue generating excitement for your new brewery, but it allows you and your staff to prepare for what a normal work day will be like. Though it may seem like an intimidating task, the process of developing and opening your own brewery is possible to complete as long as you have a strong plan, stay prepared, and are ready to work hard. Follow the steps and tips outlined above to guide yourself through the process and successfully open your new brewery! Back to Top

Make and store ice for drink service in your low-volume establishment with an undercounter ice machine. These units have compact designs that allow them to be placed underneath prep counters, bar tops, and other work surfaces. They also feature access doors that open upward, rather than to the left