Tue Aug 10, 2010 3:40 pm
Just listened to the show.
Very interesting stuff - functional sustainability - with low energy costs we are a bit sloppy with energy here in the US.
Some new tech and some old tech that is coming back into vogue. The Solar PV, Hot Water, grey water, reusing energy, composting etc.
When I worked in manufacturing we would locate on rail lines spurs and offloaded railcars with hoppers similar to grain. Energy efficient 1880's tech that still works. And shipping from Canada via railcar can be as efficient as shipping from the upper midwest - it's might be more of a matter of what malting house can supply there large demand - 1 million pounds a week he said.
Sierra Nevada PA is on a shaded floor unconditioned floor space in Costco here - but it is often 2-3 months fresher than what is available through the other retail channels. All the other flavors you need to purchase from the regular channels.
Maui Brewing is doing similar things here on a much smaller scale. Many solar water panels have been recently added to assist water heating. Solar PV is on the way. A couple silos have been installed to make it easier to unload bulk base malt grain, at this time last year everything was in 55lb sacks.
It's fun watching the local brewery grow and what Sierra Nevada has become. Just as many of my generation had Anchor Steam as our gateway craft beer, Sierra Nevada (and Boston Beer) also play an important alternative to BMC.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Our house is switched over to 66% alternative energy power so far - all my brewing waste stays on my land - and I may soon get chickens as well - if I ever convert from propane to electric brewing, and add more panels down the road we can go 100% renewable.
