The question might sound like one of those quizzes you find on social media, right next to the one that’ll tell you which Star Wars character you would be. The microbrewery question might be a bit more practical, if such a quiz existed.
They’re popping up all over the place. People have grown tired of – and bored with – the mass-produced products you find at your local supermarket or liquor store. They’re looking for something with more personality, and microbreweries offer that in spades.
What’s a microbrewery, anyway?
There are generally five characteristics that help to define a microbrewery. Keep in mind that state or local laws may alter this definition.
- Microbreweries generally make no more than 15,000 barrels of beer each year.
- Microbreweries typically brew on a small-scale basis. Don’t expect a particular brew to always be available. It may be one-of-a-kind and never to be made again.
- Microbreweries usually make beers with seasonal themes, or they are known for a signature flavor because of the process of specific ingredients used.
- Microbreweries seldom distribute their beers on a large scale – especially when you consider that they generally make more than 15,000 barrels annually.
- Microbreweries enjoy a lower taxation than large breweries.
Housing a microbrewery
Don’t let the “micro” part of the name lead you astray. There’s typically nothing small about the amount of space needed by a microbrewery. The first thing to keep in mind is that while, these efforts usually start out small, you probably want some room to expand – especially if your beers become popular.
Zoning laws may dictate your location. In terms of physical characteristics, breweries operate best in buildings with high ceilings, proper venting, and large openings for loading and unloading. That’s for the beer.
For the people who will come to enjoy your beer, you’ll want an easily accessible location, of course. You’ll also want to make sure your building is accessible for delivery trucks that will drop off material, and others that may be taking your finished product to be sold in nearby stores.
Few existing buildings have all these qualities, which is why many people who decide to open up a microbrewery tend to put up a new building. In that case, they’re looking for specific qualities:
- Spacious designs
- Customization
- Strength
- Low maintenance
- Quick construction
- Easy expansion
- Longevity
- Affordability
What a coincidence. It’s almost as if microbreweries and Miracle Truss® buildings are a match made in beer heaven. Our clear span, DIY kits have become a top choice for microbreweries. We’ll explain why each of these qualities are important to in part 2 of this article. Meanwhile, check out these galleries of actual Miracle Truss® buildings put up and put to use by our customers.
