Is High Gravity Brewing Right For a Micro Brewery?

High gravity brewing refers to the process of using a higher concentration of fermentable sugars in the wort, resulting in a higher alcohol content in the finished beer. While this technique can produce beers with unique flavors and characteristics, it may not be the best approach for every microbrewery.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether high gravity brewing is right for your microbrewery:

Equipment: High gravity brewing requires specialized equipment, such as larger mash tuns and kettles, that can handle the higher concentrations of wort. If your microbrewery does not have the necessary equipment, it may not be feasible to pursue high gravity brewing.

Demand: Consider whether there is a demand for high gravity beers in your market. High gravity beers tend to have a higher alcohol content, which may not be appealing to all beer drinkers. If your microbrewery's customer base is not interested in high gravity beers, it may not make sense to produce them.

Time and Resources: High gravity beers typically require longer fermentation times and may require additional conditioning time. This can tie up tanks and other resources, which can impact your microbrewery's production schedule and bottom line.

Expertise: High gravity brewing requires a good understanding of the brewing process and the potential challenges that can arise. It may be necessary to bring on additional staff or seek out training to ensure that your microbrewery can produce high quality high gravity beers.

Overall, whether high gravity brewing is right for your microbrewery depends on a number of factors, including your brewhouse equipment, market demand, resources, and expertise. If these factors align and you have a passion for producing unique and flavorful high gravity beers, then it may be worth pursuing.