So far I have been able to source equipment for the brewery via craigslist thanks to the fact that I am in the Pacific Northwest and used equipment is posted in abundance daily. Due to the fact that I like the simplicity of the Blichmann top tier system but mainly due to the fact that I was able to find one locally on craigslist cheap and nearby this will be the base of the half barrel brewery set up. This was quite the bundle as Jeff, the guy I bought this from, was quitting brewing altogether. Along with the basic top tier setup, including a mounted March pump, Blichmann burner, and large shelf I was able to get a bunch of other stuff including:
- Two corny kegs
- A basic sit ontop sparging Arm
- 14.5 gallon conical Fermenator with leg extensions and casters
- Co2 tank with Micromatic regulator
- Immersion chiller
- 10 gal cooler mash tun with false bottom and thermometer
- 15 gal Polar Ware kettle with ball valve and thermometer
- Hydrometer with graduated cylinder
- Basic set up for a kegorator
- As well as a bunch of quick disconnects ant tons of other various odd and ends
I was also able to find on craigslist, six 6 gal brewers plastic carboys as well as a five gallon to use for the extra wort that wont fit in the conical for less than half price on craigslist. This will allow me to have three batches fermenting at once. With this setup I can brew up to 10 gallon batches but I will be ordering more equipment that will allow me to brew the full half barrel.