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jonymac
Joined: 18 Dec 2014 Posts: 145
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Link Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 6:47 pm Post subject: JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Bar Basement Build Thread |
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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
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Link Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 7:49 pm Post subject: More Pics |
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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
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kal Forum Administrator
Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 11123 Location: Ottawa, Canada
Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter
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Link Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 8:09 pm Post subject: |
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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).
_________________ Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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huhwha
Joined: 10 May 2013 Posts: 70
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Link Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2015 9:32 pm Post subject: |
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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
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 12:40 am Post subject: |
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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.
_________________ 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
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Tennessee
Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Posts: 116 Location: Tennessee
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:41 am Post subject: |
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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 ?
_________________ Kal Clone (30amp),Mash Re-Circulation Manifold, Custom BK Hop Filter.
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jonymac
Joined: 18 Dec 2014 Posts: 145
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:50 am Post subject: |
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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.
_________________ JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Build
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470
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Tennessee
Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Posts: 116 Location: Tennessee
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 1:57 am Post subject: |
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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.
_________________ Kal Clone (30amp),Mash Re-Circulation Manifold, Custom BK Hop Filter.
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jonymac
Joined: 18 Dec 2014 Posts: 145
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Mr Walleye
Joined: 23 Dec 2013 Posts: 71 Location: Ossining, NY
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 4:16 am Post subject: |
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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
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 4:28 am Post subject: |
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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.
_________________ JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Build
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470
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HeyK84
Joined: 07 Mar 2015 Posts: 70 Location: United States
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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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
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Link Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2015 9:36 pm Post subject: |
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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
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Link Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 2:25 pm Post subject: |
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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!
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tae
Joined: 08 May 2015 Posts: 36
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Link Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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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
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Link Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 1:29 am Post subject: |
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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.
_________________ JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Build
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470
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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
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Link Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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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
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Link Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 7:10 pm Post subject: |
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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.
_________________ JonyMac's Stillwater Home Brewery Build
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=314470#314470
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