konig brewing systems

Today’s episode I chat with Canadian based Brewing Equipment Manufacturer and consultancy business Konig Brewing Systems. 

Founders Brad McQuhae & Balbir Sidhu invite along other members of their team, Sales Executive Paul Feaver & Technical Sales &  Service operative Matthew AKA Mugg Cameron.

In our chat we cover a lot of ground, discussing topics such as comparing and breaking down sales quotes from manufacturers & suppliers and providing some good investigations into why quotes can vary in price and inclusions.

We also discuss the Installation & Commissioning side of equipment, complimenting the article that Brad did for the BMAB site a few months back. This includes Factory Acceptance Testing and considerations when trying to do the install yourself.

And finally we end with a conversation on all the ancillary equipment rarely talked about in conversations on brewhouses & tanks such as pumps, valves, glycol to name a few. 

It’s another giant episode, which has some important visuals to assist the audience with their understanding of today’s chat, so look at out for the video version of this episode via our YouTube channel.

EPISODE LINKS:
Konig Brewing Systems Website

Visit us at www.buildmeabrewery.com.au for more exclusive Brewery Building Content.

Also like and follow us on Facebook
Build Me A Brewery Facebook Page
Build Me A  Brewery Discussion Group

And Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
BMAB YouTube Channel

Series 2 Partner Sponsor:
https://www.lallemandbrewing.com

This week on Beer Sessions Radio, Jimmy brings in Brad McQuhae and Balbir Sidhu from Konig Brewing Systems in Abbotsford, BC, and John Legnard from Blue Moon Brewing at the Molson Brewery in Montreal, Quebec. 

In January, Jimmy had Brad on episode 565 to talk about all things craft beer in British Columbia. Back on the show for round two, Brad came with tons of hysterical stories, including dealing with snakes and rats in breweries, working just below the arctic circle, eating out in Japan, and mastering a brewing system in a 100-year-old baseball stadium.

Alongside Brad, Balbir tells us how he got started as an engineer, and about a very special project he worked on in a hockey arena early in his career. The gang has been in the industry for decades, taking us back in time for a glimpse of what early craft brewing looked like in the 90s. John also reveals the secret weapons Brad and Balbir bring to the table, as well as the highly detailed checklist you need to map out before building a brewery.

After taking us from Japan to the Caribbean, Jimmy brings the show back home by asking the gang what refreshing beer he should try out this summer, and John offers a couple of mouth-watering recommendations.

Photo Courtesy of John Legnard.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by Simplecast.

This week, Beer Sessions Radio is heading up to Western Canada to explore BC’s craft beer scene. Jimmy talks to Brad McQuhae from König Brewing Systems in Abbotsford, BC; Rob Liedl from Applied Brewing and Malting Solutions in Vernon, BC; and Joe Wiebe, author of Craft Beer Revolution: The Insider’s Guide to BC Breweries, co-founder of Victoria Beer Week, and director of content for BC Ale Trail. 

The group starts off with a brief history of Canada’s craft beer scene during the 80s and 90s. Rob takes us down memory lane with the crazy story of how he was introduced to Brad, who helped land Rob an interview and eventually a job running a malthouse in BC. In the early 90s, there was hardly any demand for malt, but Rob explains that malt eventually grew into a push-pull relationship as more brewers entered the scene. 

Brad and Joe agreed that everything began to accelerate in the late 90s. In the manufacturing world, Brad has witnessed first-hand the innovations and trends overtaking the craft brewing scene, such as a steep rise in pricing for equipment, and the monumental move from direct fire to steam. Even in the malting world, Rob praises the extensive knowledge of oxygen in relation to barley that just didn’t exist 20-30 years ago. 

For Joe, all the innovation and success became obvious when he found himself struggling to keep up with all the new craft breweries open. Unable to update his book fast enough, he pivoted to creating an online BC Ale Trail to guide visitors and locals through the scene, and feels confident that Covid-19 has helped breweries strengthen their business models. Rob and Brad are also hopeful for 2021 and the future, with Brad anticipating a very good summer and Rob envisioning another wave of the roaring 20s. 

Drinks list: 

Jet Fuel IPA from Ace Brewing Company, Courtenay, BC

High Frequency IPA from Category 12 Brewing 

Blue Buck from Phillips Brewing Company

Photos Courtesy of Joe Wiebe and Brad McQuhae.

Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Beer Sessions Radio by becoming a member!

Beer Sessions Radio is Powered by  Simplecast .