Picture this: You're a passionate brewer, aiming to create exceptional craft beers that delight the senses and make a lasting impression. But your current brewing setup feels limiting, like a talented musician stuck with a basic instrument. That's where 4 vessel brewing systems step in, taking your brewing game from good to great and opening up a world of possibilities.
 
So, what exactly is a 4 vessel brewing system? It's the top-tier gear for commercial brewing, designed for big-scale production and total control over every brewing stage. Unlike the simpler 2 vessel systems that combine mashing and lautering, a 4 vessel system splits each key step into its own vessel:
 
Mash Tun: This is where crushed grains mix with hot water, releasing the starches and sugars that give your beer its base flavor.
Lauter Tun: A specialized tank that efficiently separates the sweet liquid wort from the used grains.
Kettle: The powerhouse of the system, where the wort boils, hops are added for flavor and aroma, and the liquid is concentrated.
Whirlpool: This tank spins the wort, clearing it by separating out any solid hop bits and other debris.
What makes a 4 vessel system shine are its specialized functions. Each tank is optimized for its job, leading to some great perks:
 
Better Efficiency: Splitting mashing and lautering makes for a more effective lautering process, getting the most wort out of your grains.
More Control: With separate tanks, you can fine-tune temperatures and timing all through brewing, resulting in more consistent beers.
More Flexibility: Having a dedicated lauter tun lets brewers play around with techniques like mash hopping or decoction mashing, unlocking new flavors.
Faster Brewing: Lautering while mashing speeds up the whole brewing process, meaning you can brew more beer in less time.
Easier Cleanup: Each tank holds a specific stage of the brewing process, making cleanup simpler and reducing the chance of mixing things up.
These systems are big and meant for the pros, usually ranging from 40 to 200 barrels or more. They take up more space than 2 vessel setups and come with a few things to think about:
 
Layout: You can get these systems in different setups, but they're often straight or L-shaped to make the most of your brewery space.
Heating: They usually use steam or direct fire to heat things up. Steam is precise, while direct fire can add a unique touch to your beer.
Automation: Some systems are fully automated, while others need more hands-on work from the brewer.
As for the price, it varies a lot based on size, features, heating method, and automation level. Expect to pay at least $200,000 for a basic 40 barrel system, with larger, fancier setups costing well over a million.
 
Setting up one of these systems is a job for the pros, given their size and complexity. They take a bit more learning to operate compared to simpler setups, but the precise control they offer is worth it. And like any equipment, they need regular TLC to keep them running smoothly.
 
So, who should think about getting a 4 vessel brewing system? Established breweries looking to:
 
Brew More: If you're struggling to keep up with demand, a 4 vessel system can help you crank out more beer, faster.
Brew Better: The control these systems offer means you can consistently brew top-notch beers that stand out.
Get Creative: For brewers wanting to push boundaries and try out all sorts of techniques, a 4 vessel system gives you the perfect playground.
 
Still have a problem on choosing the brewery equipment? We can help with your final decision. If you are looking for a turnkey solution for craft beer brewing system, please contact us. We are looking forward to working with you. Send an email now: [email protected]