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JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Bar Basement Build Thread
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 6:47 pm    Post subject: JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Bar Basement Build Thread Reply with quote


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This thread has been a long time coming. I have been working on my home brewery for just about a year now and it is up and running with the bugs worked out. I now have a bit of time to go through and document what I did for the community's use. I have been a shameless lurker up to this point and am now coming out of the shadows. Kal asked me to put together a thread when I could so here it is.

A little history: I have been home brewing for over 20 years and occasionally lend a hand at a local micro brew place in my neighborhood. I have moved from cook top extract setup to a garage propane 5 gallon setup, added full grain capabilities and now have the full blown electric setup in my basement. I love brewing and the camaraderie of brewing with a bunch of great guys who love brewing. I have a vertical side by side fridge in the garage with three taps, but my wife has moved me to the basement. As I post pictures, I will go into further detail on the builds for each appliance if there is interest. The most notable home build is a fermentation refrigeration controller I built to look exactly like Kal's brewing controller so they look like a matched pair. I have to say that I am overwhelmed with how well it came out and learned a TON about wiring and refrigeration set points, etc.

I have a number of messy hobbies and needed a space out of the way of SWMBO to do them (Brewing, Beekeeping, Cheesemaking, Maple Syrup Making). I use my brewery to 1. brew, 2. extract honey, 3. make cheese, 4. boil down sap from my sugar bush to make maple syrup. Not doing this in my wife's kitchen has improved our marriage substantially.

Our basement was unfinished this time last year. The area where my brewery and bar is used to be my wood working shop, the rest of the basement was storage and junk. I will post construction pics of the basement. We wanted a guest suite, home theater, work out room, copious storage, a bar and brewery, and a rec room for ping pong and pool. The basement opens out with sliding glass doors to a patio and a path to the lake. I built a 12x24 workshop as a separate building and moved my woodworking equipment in there. We also tackled moving the washer and dryer from the first floor to my closet on the second floor and rebuilt the first floor room as a mud room and pantry. (Momma's happy.)

-JonyMac

My setup:

- Brew controller built by The Electric Brewery
- Custom homebuilt fermentation refrigeration controller
- Copper Convoluted chiller
- Two March pumps for wort and water
- Blichmann version 1 20 gallon kettles
- Stainless heating elements
- Fill faucet for HLT
- Large slop sink with sprayer
- Custom condensate hood with fan and return air grill
- Barley crusher on a homebuilt cart with drill
- 3 SS Brewtech 14 gallon conicals
- Keezer with homebuilt collar - holds 10.5 cornys, I use 8 kegs, 1 cleaner keg, 1 Nitrogen tank, 1 chilling recirc keg for the fermentation tanks, and 1 reservoir recircing to the freezer then to the taps and back
- Freezer with 50' 1/2" coil of copper that connects to tap chiller and Keezer - holds hops and other goodies
- Cooler - holds 4 kegs for lagering/conditioning, glasses, harvested yeast, cheese
- NEST live webcam to remotely monitor fermentation controller or for brew buddies to watch brew day when they can't be local

- Bar Area:
- 8 tap Micromatic T post with stout faucet
- 1 scuba tank sized CO2 tank
- Laptop with two external monitors - 1 for Raspberry pints, the second for brewing recipes during brew day
- Articulating flat screen for watching ESPN channels
- bar sink
- microwave
- mini dishwasher
- bottle beer fridge (for cloning purposes of course)
- glass and bar stuff storage
- water conditioning system

My Other Build Threads:

Stillwater Home Brewery Construction Pictures Thread:
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28619

Fermentation Refrigeration Controller Build:
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28624

Keezer and Freezer Build:
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28625

Fermenter Cooling System Build:
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314563

Brewery Grain Grinder Build:
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28627

Return Air System for Brewery Fan Build:
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28626

CO2 System and Pressurized Beer Moving Build - COMING SOON

Taps, Trunk Line and Cooling Coil Build - COMING SOON

RaspberryPints Running on MacBook Air Build - COMING SOON

So for some pics:

IMG_0244 by jonymac, on Flickr

IMG_0156 by jonymac, on Flickr
Brewery West Wall

IMG_0157 by jonymac, on Flickr
Brewery North Wall

IMG_0158 by jonymac, on Flickr
Brewery East Wall

IMG_0159 by jonymac, on Flickr
Brewery South Wall

IMG_0145 by jonymac, on Flickr
Bar Area

IMG_0146 by jonymac, on Flickr
Bar Area

IMG_0147 by jonymac, on Flickr
Bar Area

IMG_0148 by jonymac, on Flickr
Bar Area

IMG_0150 by jonymac, on Flickr
Bar Area

Construction pics: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28619



Last edited by jonymac on Mon Oct 09, 2017 10:18 pm; edited 8 times in total
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 7:49 pm    Post subject: More Pics Reply with quote

IMG_0175 by jonymac, on Flickr
RaspberryPints

IMG_0163 by jonymac, on Flickr
Homebuilt Fermentation Refrigeration Controller

IMG_0160 by jonymac, on Flickr
CO2 Board

IMG_0165 by jonymac, on Flickr
Grain Grinder Cart

IMG_0166 by jonymac, on Flickr
Chemistry Bench

IMG_0159 by jonymac, on Flickr
Fermenters, Keezer, Freezer

IMG_0153 by jonymac, on Flickr
Microwave and Dishwasher

IMG_0164 by jonymac, on Flickr
Keezer Inside

IMG_0162 by jonymac, on Flickr
Cooling hose close up

IMG_0161 by jonymac, on Flickr
Freezer Inside

IMG_0155 by jonymac, on Flickr
Water System Closet

IMG_0154 by jonymac, on Flickr
Brewery door and window


Last edited by jonymac on Mon Oct 09, 2017 10:25 pm; edited 1 time in total
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 7:53 pm    Post subject: The rest of the basement Reply with quote

IMG_0167 by jonymac, on Flickr
Bar and bathroom

IMG_0168 by jonymac, on Flickr
Theater

IMG_0169 by jonymac, on Flickr
Theater

IMG_0174 by jonymac, on Flickr
Theater

IMG_0170 by jonymac, on Flickr
Desk Area

IMG_0171 by jonymac, on Flickr
Rec Room

IMG_0173 by jonymac, on Flickr
Guest Room


Last edited by jonymac on Mon Oct 09, 2017 10:29 pm; edited 1 time in total
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 8:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Phenomenal work John!

John and I have been back and forth for months [years?] now so it's nice to see it all come together so nicely!

I see a space that you'll be able to enjoy for years to come. Congratulations!

Kal

P.S. Too bad you're not anywhere near Los Angeles (see this topic).

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My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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huhwha




Joined: 10 May 2013
Posts: 70



PostLink    Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 9:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks great! I always try to pick up some tips from these builds as we are getting ready to build our retirement home next year.

In this case, I really like the RaspberryPints display. I've been looking for an excuse to play with a Raspberry Pi for a while, and this looks like a good excuse.

I also like the mini dishwasher. We have been talking about a small kitchen in the basement and this would fit in quite well I think. Just something big enough to clean some adult beverage containers and perhaps some snack plates is perfect.

Good job!
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 12:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yeah, the Raspberry Pints display is running off a virtual pi on my Macbook Air. It was a bit tricky to get setup but it works really well. I am also considering adding the flow meters to show how much is left in each keg real time.
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JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Build
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:39 am    Post subject: Even More Pics Reply with quote

IMG_8888 by jonymac, on Flickr
Beer shut off valves in Keezer - prepped for future Raspberry Pi Flow Meters

IMG_9244 by jonymac, on Flickr
Hops growing up south Side of house

IMG_9803 by jonymac, on Flickr
Brewery Bling

IMG_9872 by jonymac, on Flickr
My Brew buddy Riley

IMG_9874 by jonymac, on Flickr
Transferring to Conical

IMG_9913 by jonymac, on Flickr
Kegging from Conical

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JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Build
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470


Last edited by jonymac on Mon Oct 09, 2017 10:32 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Tennessee




Joined: 04 Apr 2015
Posts: 116
Location: Tennessee


PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm putting this build In my top three all time! Love the stone, evil twin panel and the wood planking. Are you running glycol or H20 thru the SS's ? Where did you find the swivel faucet ?
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Kal Clone (30amp),Mash Re-Circulation Manifold, Custom BK Hop Filter.
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks! I am running glycol/H2O mix for chilling the taps and mostly H2O with just a little glycol and star san for the fermenters. I can keep the fermenters 10-12 degrees below ambient with this setup and keep the taps at 39º with the glycol.
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http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470
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Tennessee




Joined: 04 Apr 2015
Posts: 116
Location: Tennessee


PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

jonymac wrote:
Thanks! I am running glycol/H2O mix for chilling the taps and mostly H2O with just a little glycol and star san for the fermenters. I can keep the fermenters 10-12 degrees below ambient with this setup and keep the taps at 39º with the glycol.
f

Very cool! Any issuers with your kettles clearing the pre-rinse when sitting in the sink ? I had to rotate my add on 45 degrees to give me enough depth for those big boys.

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Kal Clone (30amp),Mash Re-Circulation Manifold, Custom BK Hop Filter.
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 2:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

No, I lay my boil kettle on the side and aim it at the sink from the right and use the sprayer - I do the same for my mash tun from the left.
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JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Build
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470
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Mr Walleye




Joined: 23 Dec 2013
Posts: 71
Location: Ossining, NY


PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 4:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh wow! What an excellent job!

Do you by chance have a build thread anywhere for that fermentation/keezer controller anywhere?
If nothing else, I just need to make one 'cuz it looks cool as hell!
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 4:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Walleye, no, not yet, this is my first post to the forum, but thank you!

I will be filling out build threads for the different components now that I have the system up and running and have run 10 batches through it. The ferm/fridge controller, I kinda made it up as I went along and figured it out by trial and error. It may take me a bit to retrace my steps and work up a wiring diagram. I am very happy at how it looks and operates.

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HeyK84




Joined: 07 Mar 2015
Posts: 70
Location: United States


PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 12:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice work man! How do you like your hood being so high up? I kind of wanted to mount mine up high like that too. Any issues?
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FrankZ




Joined: 19 Dec 2015
Posts: 1



PostLink    Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 9:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Outstanding!

My favorite parts are 1- Riley, 2- the stone veneer...whoo hoo!
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GLRRA47




Joined: 20 Dec 2015
Posts: 43
Location: Ohio


PostLink    Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jonymac - Very nice!
I too have been lurking on this site for quite some time. Been grain brewing 15 years (600+ gals, 5 gal at a time on the stove top!). Believe it or not - I'm in the process of building a 16'X40' shop in my new barn so that my wood shop can be relocated. I've been thinking for quite some time about building an electric brewery in my basement wood shop space. (Just needed to convince my wife) 2016 just might be the year! Oh - and I've a hive of bees and hops growing out back too. Congrads on your brewery! Mug
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tae




Joined: 08 May 2015
Posts: 36



PostLink    Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very very nice. Awesome job. What are the dimensions of the brew room itself?
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 1:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

HeyK84 - Yeah - no problems with the height of the hood - I ordered a slightly higher CFM fan to make sure there were no issues. I get zero condensation outside my hood. The only time I run it on high is during the boil and and if there is a high dew point outside. The fan I am using is the Vortex S-Line Ultra Quiet Fan 8" 728 CFM. I like being able to use a mash paddle and not bump my head on the hood. The hood is 36" to the top of the kettle and 57" to the top of the brew bench.

FrankZ - thanks! Riley is my favorite too - he loves the grain crushing process - smells and tastes like dog food to him. He licks the whole floor after I crush the grain.

GLRRA47 - you're a brother from another mother.

tae - Thanks! The brew room is 10 1/2 x 14, the bar area is 10 1/2 by 11.

JonyMac


That's an Electric IPA in the foreground!


NEST Fermentation Cam View - I can zoom in and see the particulars of the fermentation or point it at the brew bench to the right.

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David_H




Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Posts: 139
Location: Savannah, GA

Drinking: Dry Irish Stout, Electric Pale Ale, American Amber Ale, Irish Red Ale


PostLink    Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 6:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
mostly H2O with just a little glycol and star san for the fermenters.


I have a modified A/C and Cooler based Glycol Chiller. I am currently only running straight water at 40F. I have two gallons of Glycol to add to the water in the future for about a 20% Glycol/Water solution. Do you add Star San to the solution? Why and how much?

David
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jonymac




Joined: 18 Dec 2014
Posts: 145



PostLink    Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 7:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For the fermenters I only have to get them down to 53° or so for lager fermentations - I added a bit of star San - maybe a cap full - to adjust the ph to prevent crud from growing in the tubing since it is exposed and can sit quite a while waiting for the pumps to kick on and off.
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