Is It Difficult To Start A Brewery? A Practical Equipment Selection Guide | DEGONG

1. Introduction: Turning a Brewing Dream into Reality

Starting your own brewery is an exciting ambition for many entrepreneurs and beer enthusiasts. While the idea of producing your own craft beer is appealing, launching a brewery involves more than passion alone. From equipment selection to operational planning, every decision plays a key role in long-term success.

At DEGONG, we support breweries worldwide by providing professional brewing equipment and practical guidance to help new brewers start with confidence.

2. Is Starting a Brewery Difficult? Key Challenges Explained

Opening a brewery is not necessarily difficult, but it does require careful planning and realistic expectations.

2.1 Legal and Regulatory Preparation

Before brewing begins, you must comply with local laws related to alcohol production, food safety, and environmental protection. Licensing procedures, approvals, and inspections can take time, so early preparation is essential to avoid delays.

2.2 Investment and Cost Control

The startup cost of a brewery depends largely on its size and business model. Typical expenses include:

• Brewing equipment

• Facility renovation or rental

• Utilities and infrastructure

• Raw materials

• Labor and marketing

A clear financial plan helps ensure sustainable operation and prevents unexpected cash flow pressure.

2.3 Business Planning and Market Strategy

Successful breweries start with a defined market position. Whether you plan to operate a brewpub, taproom, or production brewery, your target customers, beer styles, and distribution channels should be clearly defined from the beginning.

3. Choosing the Right Brewing Equipment: The Core Decision

Brewing equipment directly affects beer quality, production efficiency, and future scalability. Selecting suitable equipment is one of the most critical steps when starting a brewery.

3.1 Determine Your Production Scale

Before selecting equipment, clarify your brewing goals:

• Nano or Pilot Brewery: Ideal for experimentation and small-batch production

• Taproom Brewery: Designed for on-site consumption

• Commercial Brewery: Focused on larger-scale distribution

DEGONG offers modular brewing systems suitable for all these scenarios.

3.2 Brewhouse Configuration

A complete brewhouse typically includes:

• Mash tun

• Lauter tun

• Boil kettle

• Whirlpool

Smaller breweries may choose integrated systems, while larger operations benefit from multi-vessel configurations for higher efficiency and flexibility.

3.3 Fermentation and Bright Tanks

Fermentation and conditioning tanks play a vital role in flavor development and consistency. High-quality stainless steel tanks with precise temperature control help maintain stable fermentation and consistent beer quality.

DEGONG fermentation tanks are designed with hygienic finishes, efficient cooling jackets, and flexible configurations to meet different brewing styles.

3.4 Cooling, Cleaning, and Sanitation Systems

Reliable cooling systems protect beer quality, while proper sanitation ensures food safety. Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems are essential for maintaining hygiene, reducing labor, and improving operational efficiency.

A well-designed DEGONG CIP system helps brewers clean tanks and pipelines thoroughly without dismantling equipment.

3.5 Packaging and Kegging Options

Depending on your sales model, you may need:

• Kegging systems

• Bottle or can filling machines

• Labeling and packaging equipment

Planning packaging solutions early helps ensure a smooth transition from production to sales.

4. Practical Tips for Equipment Selection

When choosing brewing equipment, DEGONG recommends focusing on the following factors:

4.1 Material and Manufacturing Quality

Food-grade stainless steel, smooth welds, and polished internal surfaces are essential for hygiene and durability.

4.2 Automation and Ease of Operation

Automation improves consistency, reduces human error, and simplifies daily operation—especially valuable for small teams.

4.3 Scalability for Future Growth

Modular equipment designs allow breweries to expand production capacity as demand increases, avoiding costly replacements.

4.4 Technical Support and Service

Professional after-sales support, installation guidance, and technical assistance are crucial for long-term operational stability.

DEGONG provides global technical support to help customers operate their breweries efficiently.

5. Conclusion: Starting a Brewery Is Challenging—but Achievable

Starting your own brewery requires preparation, investment, and commitment—but it is entirely achievable with the right strategy and equipment. By understanding challenges early and selecting reliable brewing solutions, you can build a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

Whether you are launching a small craft brewery or planning a commercial beer operation, DEGONG is ready to support you with professional brewing equipment and practical expertise.