ADC Conference & Trade Show 2022: Highlights

This session by Alberta distiller Bryce Parsons of Bearhill Brewing (president of the Alberta Craft Distillers Association) covered some common topics in a distillery’s physical build and approvals process, and how to envision your distillery’s possible need to scale up in the future.

Parsons first discussed building and fire codes, which vary by province but tend to be similar in their rigorous requirements for distilleries to be fire- and explosion-proof. Parsons recommended including in a modern-out build sensors for detection of CO2, measures for spill containment, subcoolers and other extensive safety protocols including, for instance, a “kill” switch for still that’s well away from the apparatus itself, for use in case of emergency.

Next, Parsons gave advice for a physical build that’s scaleable–a challenge many small distilleries face when their production demands quickly begin to exceed their physical production limitations. Unlike other expers who tout a start-small philosophy, he recommends buying the largest-capacity still you can afford and getting additional stills pre-approved in your original applications. For steam-powered stills, he recommends getting a powerful boiler with the capacity to handle future needs, as stills are upgraded or added.

In addition, he discussed the synergies of an operation like his own, a so-called brew-stillery that combines brewing and distilling in one physical plant. Along with obvious production advantages (a consistent source of wash, expertise in fermentation and barrel maturation), there’s the potential for a larger physical space that might allow additional revenue-generating activities, from a lounge to space for special events and rentals, that can improve the visitor experience, draw new customers and support your business in down-times in the cycle.