FORT COLLINS, CO – New Belgium Brewing recently unveiled a new 10-hectoliter brewing system that will allow the Fort Collins brewer of Fat Tire to create small batch experimental beers. The new system is comprised of a two-vessel brewhouse with one mash/lauter vessel and one brew kettle/whirlpool. Four fermenters and two bright beer tanks for conditioning complete the facility, which will primarily be used for research and new product development.
“This size system really frees us up to experiment and play around,” said New Belgium Brewing Assistant Brewmaster, Grady Hull. “There are so many new hop varietals in development and flavors to explore that this allows us to do so with minimal waste and maximum creative freedom.”
In addition to research, there will be opportunities throughout the year to collaborate with other breweries, bars and restaurants to develop small batch beers. So far in the first month of production, New Belgium has brewed five batches of beer with a goal of producing 100 batches throughout the year. Each batch is eight barrels or around 250 gallons of beer. Many of the beers will pour only at the brewery’s tasting facility.
About New Belgium Brewing Company:
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.