UTOPIAN BREWING SELECT HONITON-BASED COMPANY TO BUILD THEIR NEW DEVON BREWERY
See
https://grow-media.co.uk/exeter-news/utopian-brewing-vigo-devon-brewery/
https://www.brewersjournal.info/utopian-brewing-calls-on-vigo-to-build-devon-brewery/
Utopian Brewing Limited are pleased to announce that they have signed contracts with Honiton based Vigo Limited for the supply and installation of their new 35 Hectolitre brewery. The chosen configuration is based on a 3 vessel brew house, with a unique design by Brewing Services Ltd based around a single Mash Tun/Lauter Tun and two Coppers to provide both flexibility and allow multiple brews per day in conjunction with 12 fermentation and conditioning tanks and all associated equipment. The design has scope for the addition of a further Mash Tun/Lauter along with further Conditioning Vessels in the future to support annual production of over 16,000 hectolitres. The brewhouse equipment is manufactured by Vigo’s US partner American Beer Equipment (ABE).
The selection decision followed a detailed competitive tender process by the company, ably assisted by David and Rob Smith of Brewing Services Ltd.
Brewing Services Ltd were chosen as the consultants for the project in 2017 and have worked closely with Utopian Brewery on the design and layout for the brewery and with the architects on the conversion of the farm buildings to provide a splendid new home for the brewery along with a visitor centre to allow visitors to not only sample the beers but watch them being brewed from an observation gallery situated in the heart of the brewing complex.
RICHARD ARCHER CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UTOPIAN COMMENTED:
“Working with the Vigo team has been a very enjoyable process to date and I am very much looking forward to working closely with them over the next few months, and on into the future, as we embark on this next crucial stage of our development. Having the services and experience of David and Rob alongside me has also proved to be a very valuable asset”.
“The decision was not a straightforward one as we received a wide range of very strong responses, another positive sign of the strength of the independent craft brewing sector, with so many high-quality UK manufacturers and suppliers to choose from. In the end though we had to make a choice and the main factors that contributed to our selection were; the quality of the equipment, the long history of the company in beverage production, the flexibility and understanding demonstrated by the team and the quality of the reference visits during the selection process. As a Devon based brewery we are keen to use local suppliers wherever possible and so Vigo’s Devon base provided another bonus tick in the box.”.
ABOUT UTOPIAN BREWING LIMITED
Utopian Brewing was founded in 2017 and is building its new brewery and visitor centre in picturesque mid-Devon. Britain has a great brewing heritage yet the vast majority of lagers that you see on beer taps and supermarket shelves are brewed by the mega brewers. Utopian intends bring the same dedication and artisan craft, care and attention to lager that is currently given to ales and to join the vibrant independent sector celebrating British brewing with some incredible lager.
The brewery’s location also provides for the installation of a number of sustainable energy sources and the company has an absolute ambition to be the most energy efficient and sustainably operated brewery in its class. Utopian intend to brew their lagers with 100% British grown ingredients. For more information: www.utopianbrewing.com
