Location: Canada
Website: https://www.peaceriverbrewing.ca/
Project Detail:
In 2020,our long-term customer from Canada, Peace River Brewing, continued to purchase from Meto, ordering 5BBL and 10BBL sake tanks and a 600L distillation system.Peace River Brewing placed an order with our company for the following equipment: – 5 BBL sake fermentation tanks – 10 BBL sake fermentation tanks – 600 L tower-type distillation equipment, comprising: distillation kettle (still), column (tower), condenser, and gin-blue (presumably a reflux or spirit-collection component)
This equipment was intended to expand their production capabilities from just beer toward distilled spirits — enabling production of gin or other craft spirits.
Purpose & Rationale
- Diversification of product offerings:While Peace River Brewing’s core business had been craft beer, the addition of a distillation system allowed them to enter the spirits market producing small-batch, house-made spirits (e.g., gin). Given their reputation for handcrafted quality, spirits would complement their existing beer and kombucha offerings.
- Flexibility in production scale: The 5 BBL and 10 BBL fermentation tanks supported modest but flexible batch sizes, suitable for small-boutique production without requiring large-scale infrastructure. This suits a community-oriented brewery/distillery like Peace River, where demand is local/regional rather than mass-market.
- Quality control and artisanal process: A tower-type distillation setup (with kettle, column, condenser, gin blue) gives greater control over distillate purity and character important for craft spirits, where flavor profile and consistency matter.
Implementation & Integration
After delivery in 2020, Peace River Brewing integrated the equipment into their existing facility. The new distillation setup was installed along with their brewing operations, allowing them to run both beer brewing and spirit distillation under the same roof. The small footprint and moderate capacity (600 L) fitted well with their existing microbrewery/taproom layout.
The sake-tank-style fermenters (5 BBL and 10 BBL) were repurposed or used directly for fermenting mash or wash intended for distillation providing flexibility for different recipes and batch sizes.
Outcomes & Benefits
- Expanded product range: With the distillation system, Peace River Brewing could now produce spirits (e.g., gin), in addition to beer enabling them to offer more to their local customers and diversify revenue streams.
- Small-batch artisanal spirits: The modest batch size allowed them to maintain an artisanal, craft-style production, consistent with their brand identity as a local, community-oriented brewery/distillery.
- Efficient use of space and resources: Because of the moderate scale, the new equipment did not require large-scale infrastructure changes, which minimized capital expenditure and allowed quick ramp-up of spirits production.
- Brand differentiation and market positioning: By offering handcrafted spirits (in addition to craft beer), Peace River Brewing strengthened their appeal to customers seeking unique, locally-made beverages rather than mass-market products.
Why This Collaboration Matters
This case demonstrates how a small craft brewery can successfully expand into craft spirits production by adopting appropriately scaled equipment — without overinvesting in oversized industrial infrastructure. By supplying 5 BBL / 10 BBL fermentation tanks and a 600 L tower-type distillation system, our company enabled Peace River Brewing to diversify, experiment, and grow, while preserving the artisanal character central to their identity.
For potential clients looking to follow a similar path, this case shows that even modest investments in the right equipment can open new product lines, improve flexibility, and broaden market opportunities, especially for small- to mid-sized craft producers.
The Brewery
Peace River Brewing is a craft brewery and distillery located in Peace River, Alberta, Canada. Founded as a small-town microbrewery and distillery, Peace River Brewing supports handcrafted beers and spirits and hosts a local taproom offering a cozy, community-oriented atmosphere. The brewery is known for brewing small-batch beers and also producing handcrafted spirits — making it a suitable candidate for specialty equipment beyond ordinary brewing tanks.
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