Eagle Park Brewing Soars to New Heights
Imagine this: crisp air, amber leaves, and the scent of fresh beer brewing. That’s the essence of autumn at Eagle Park Brewing, a name that has become synonymous with quality craft beer. Indeed, this fall marked a monumental moment for the brewery—they celebrated their 10 millionth beer. What’s the secret to their exponential growth? Let’s explore how they’re revolutionizing the brewing industry.
The Muskego Facility Expansion: A Game Changer
Thanks to the visionaries at Eagle Park, their Muskego production facility has undergone significant expansion. This isn’t your ordinary makeover; we’re talking a new cooler, increased barrel storage, and a canning line that boasts double the previous capacity. But wait, there’s more!
Introducing: The 20-Ton Steel Mash Filter Brewhouse
Crafted with expertise and innovation, the star of the show is the 20-ton steel mash filter brewhouse. Featuring an ingenious system with an augur, bin, and adjustable filters, it works its magic during the mashing and lautering stages—crucial steps in the brewing process.
From Old Traditions to New Efficiencies
Previously, the brewery relied on roller mills to crack open the grain. Now, they’ve switched to a roller mill that pulverizes the grain into a near flour consistency, which is then pumped through a high-efficiency filter system with impressive water and grain saving capabilities.
Water and Grain: Conserving with Technology
The brewers at Eagle Park are not only artists but environmentalists as well. With this new tech, they cleverly save approximately 30% on water, reducing both costs and environmental impact. But it doesn’t end there—grain efficiency has skyrocketed from 70-75% to an astounding 98-100%, allowing them to drastically cut grain usage.
Cost-Effective Brewing in a Price-Sensitive World
With prices ever-climbing, every penny saved is vital. The co-owner duo, Jackson Borgardt and Jake Schinker, understand this all too well. “With prices rising,” Jake adds, “the efficiency is saving us from those dreaded price hikes.”
The Surprising Impact on Livestock Farmers
Who knew that a brewing process could bring joy to farmers? The brewery’s spent grain—a byproduct of the brewing process—now dries significantly more, which, in turn, extends its shelf life and usability for feeding livestock. The result? Happy cows and an ecstatic farmer!
Labor and Time: The Invisible Ingredients of Success
But it’s not just the cows that are happy; the brewery team is too. With the newfound efficiencies, labor and time savings mean they can craft more beer in less time. Yes, you heard right—brewers are gaining extra hours of sleep without compromising on productivity! It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
A Brewer’s Dream: More Beer, Same Time
The beauty of this new system is clear in the numbers. Brewing times are cut by more than half, and one person can now achieve what once required two. For the workforce at Eagle Park, this translates to unprecedented growth opportunities and capacity boosts.
The Secret Behind Eagle Park’s Whiskey Ambitions
Eagle Park isn’t just about beer; their ambitions stretch into the world of spirits. With their flexible system, crafting the foundational distiller’s beer for whiskey is now a breeze—a move that’s expanding their horizons into the production of single malt whiskey and bourbon.
Beyond Beer: A Distillery’s Dream
The system’s versatility is a boon for the Eagle Park Distillery too, effortlessly handling varieties of grains—from corn to wheat—and even offering potential for gluten-free options. One system, endless possibilities.
Local Collaboration Meets Global Excellence
The breathtaking machinery behind this brewery’s success was crafted right in Menomonee Falls by Aegir Brewing Systems. Eagle Park’s pursuit of excellence has them rubbing elbows with top-shelf names like Heineken and Jameson. That’s right—this hometown hero is playing in the global league.
The Full Plunge: Brewing with Boldness
The journey to efficiency wasn’t just about upgrades; it was a visionary leap to install a medium-sized “junior” system that catapulted Eagle Park light-years ahead in the brewing game. Forget patching up the old—Eagle Park is all about embracing the new.
Brewing with Flexibility: Small Batches to Full Production
Flexibility is the buzzword at Eagle Park. Whether they’re crafting small five-barrel batches or ramping up to thirty, the new filters have opened doors to precision brewing without compromising on efficiency or quality.
Anticipating the Brewing Freeze
Anticipating a necessary brewing hiatus during the transition to the new brewhouse, Eagle Park strategically increased production, ensuring beer lovers wouldn’t miss out on their signature brews during this period.
The Learning Curve: A Steep but Fruitful Climb
Adjusting to the new system was no walk in the park, but the team’s determination turned a steep learning curve into a highway to success—already forecasting an inspiring future for the distillation of aging whiskey.
Fruition of Efficiency: The Expanded Facility’s Role
The timing couldn’t be better for the unveiling of the expanded facility. More tanks, more warehouse space, and a canning line that’s hungry for the increased beer production that this new brewhouse is churning out with gusto.
Room to Grow: Space for Creativity and Capacity
With more room for expansion and additional tanks in the pipeline, Eagle Park is well on its way to hitting a capacity of 30,000 barrels. Growth isn’t hypothetical—it’s brewing into a beautiful reality, with every efficient turn.
A Bright Future: Sustainability Meets Growth
What’s ahead for Eagle Park Brewing? A bright future shaped by sustainable practices, cost savings, and the untapped potential of a brew team that’s ready to take on the industry with innovation and enthusiasm.
It seems clear that Eagle Park Brewing isn’t just making beer; they’re crafting a legacy. So, the next time you savor a pint of their finely crafted ale, remember: behind every sip is a tale of passion, efficiency, and the relentless pursuit of perfecting the brew. Cheers to the next million beers!
I absolutely loved how this brewery review highlighted the remarkable beer production strides made by Eagle Park Brewing. Their brewing innovation and dedication to craft beer are truly inspiring!