When precision and efficiency are essential, many breweries are turning to innovative tools to enhance quality control and consistency.
One key advancement making a significant impact is the use of dissolved oxygen (DO) meters, which help manage fermentation and ensure their beer maintains its intended flavor profile.
Additionally, compact digital density meters are streamlining gravity measurements, saving time, and reducing product waste.
Traditional gravity measurements require hydrometers and temperature adjustments, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. The Phantom Canyon uses the Anton Paar EasyDens to streamline this process by providing instant, highly accurate gravity readings with just a few drops of sample. Head Brewer Brian Koch said this eliminates the need for manual calculations and extensive record-keeping, allowing brewers to focus on crafting exceptional beer rather than spending excessive time on routine testing.
“With the EasyDens, we’ve significantly reduced the time spent on manual testing while improving our ability to make quick, data-driven decisions,” Koch told Brewer. “This has optimized our quality control and enhanced our efficiency.”
Cost-saving measures that don’t compromise quality are crucial. Koch said EasyDens offers professional-grade precision at a fraction of the cost of other digital density meters, making it a practical investment. Also, its ability to take accurate readings with minimal sample sizes leads to reduced product waste. Over time, this translates into more wort and finished beer being preserved, minimizing unnecessary loss.
Beyond cost savings, this tool enhances sustainability by eliminating excessive sample usage. “Every drop of beer we can save adds up, and this tool helps ensure we’re maximizing our product while reducing waste,” Koch said.
Consistency needs to be the hallmark of a great brewery, and Koch said the EasyDens has become a crucial part of Phantom Canyon’s brewing process. With precise measurements, the brew team can confidently hit target gravities, ensuring proper fermentation control and batch-to-batch uniformity.
Whether dialing in a Barleywine or refining a Lager, this tool provides the reliability needed for precision brewing, he said.
“The accuracy of the EasyDens has given us greater confidence in our brewing process, leading to more consistent final products across all styles,” Koch said.
Another indispensable piece of equipment that has drastically improved product quality and consistency at Barrelhouse Brewing is a dissolved oxygen (DO) meter.
Using a Milwaukee MW600, Brewmaster George Numair said for the price (under $200) it’s a priceless tool.
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“We have found that depending on what fermenter we are cooling into, we are seeing varying amounts of DO getting locked into solution since the farther the wort has to travel, the more gets absorbed,” Numair said. “This led to fears of a stalled fermentation if we had too little DO upon pitching or a fermentation going too fast if we had too much, which could lead to slightly sharp and/or acidic flavors as well as a hotter alcohol aroma.
“The DO meter helps to ensure we’re hitting our target, so we can nail our flavor profile, which makes for delicious beer and happy customers.”
So, technology continues to shape how a brewery functions, and innovations like dissolved oxygen meters and digital density meters are proving that even small devices can make a significant difference.
By integrating these tools into their operations, Phantom Canyon and Barrelhouse have enhanced efficiency, improved sustainability, and elevated their quality control measures — demonstrating that smart investments in technology can lead to better beer and a more streamlined process.
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