Yesterday, two 200 bbl net capacity fermentation tanks arrived at Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits in Scripps Ranch all the way from Marks Design & Metalworks in Vancouver, Washington. “These tanks were custom designed for outdoor use, with extra thick insulation and insulated and clad domes to boot,” says head brewer & head distiller Yuseff Cherney. “They are temperature controlled with glycol, so dropping them down to a cool 32 degrees in the summer is no problem.” The new tanks, made with American stainless steel, will increase brewing capacity to around 50,000 barrels per year, with each holding 6,200 gallons, or about 60,000 12 oz. bottles.
National Sales Director Earl Kight uses a different measurement to calculate production from these tanks — he says they’ll provide an additional 10,000 CE’s per month starting in 15-20 days; a CE is a “case equivalent” of 24 12-ounce bottles. “This should assist greatly in addressing out-of-stocks in existing markets and set the stage for new areas,” says Kight.
By the end of 2012, Ballast Point will have doubled capacity to a rolling rate of approximately 78,000 barrels. The arrival of six more 200 bbl fermentation tanks and three more 200 bbl bright tanks are scheduled between now and December 1.
Photos courtesy of Yuseff Cherney