Stainless steel tanks for breweries
The history of beer is almost as long as civilisation itself, with evidence suggesting that brewing began 6,000 years ago. It is clear that low-alcoholic beverages have been a part of human life since ancient times.
Of course, contemporary beer bears little resemblance to its original form, thanks to the development of production and storage technologies.
The first beer tanks
It is believed that the first beer was produced by the Sumerians. They left behind not only a recipe but also a remarkable text known as the Hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer. This hymn indicates that brewing was originally an activity carried out exclusively by women under the supervision of a highly respected brewer who was exempt from military service.
Original clay vessels resembling brewing vats have also been found in what is now Iraq, which can be considered the world’s first containers for the production of this golden drink.
The brewing process then involved preparing what was known as “beer bread” from sprouted grain and various additives such as fruit. This bread was then crushed and placed in the clay container for fermentation.
Although this process was simple, the resulting beer had poor storage qualities and had to be consumed almost immediately after production.
The history of beer — the drink of the gods
Beer’s history is rooted in the oldest civilisations, with at least two main theories about its origins. One hypothesis suggests that in modern-day Turkey, around 10,000 BC, the first seeds of beer were created, as evidenced by stone troughs with characteristic sediment potentially linked to prehistoric beer.
There is a second, more popular theory which traces beer’s origins to Mesopotamia around 4,000 BC. The Sumerians, who lived in modern-day Iraq, inscribed a recipe for spelt beer on clay tablets.
However, this ancient recipe differed significantly from modern methods.
The process began with the preparation of beer bread, dates, and other fruits. The Sumerians consumed some of the bread, and the rest was ground and underwent double fermentation in a clay vat. Far from the clear, golden beer we know today, this early beer was thick, cloudy, and resembled a soup with impurities.
The Babylonians took a more professional approach to brewing, developing up to 20 types of beer and introducing standards protected by rights. They used ingredients such as spelt, barley, and wheat to craft their beverages.
How does beer storage work nowadays?
Today, the process of making beer is much more complex than it was in ancient times, and a single clay or wooden vat is no longer adequate. Modern brewing begins with the ingredients being placed into the mash tun before moving to the filter tun. After a few hours, they are transferred to a brewing tank, and once fermentation is complete, the beer is aged in a special tank.
Modern storage solutions are no longer reliant on wood. Stainless steel tanks and similar models are now the preferred choices for their hygiene and durability.
These advanced tanks allow brewers to focus on crafting sophisticated flavours with delicate notes unaffected by storage methods.
FAQ
Why are stainless steel tanks preferred in modern brewing?
Stainless steel tanks are favoured due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of cleaning. Because of that, the tanks maintain a hygienic environment, which is crucial for producing high-quality beer. Stainless steel also does not react with the beer, preserving its intended flavours.
How do modern brewing tanks differ from historical brewing vessels?
Modern brewing tanks are made from advanced materials like stainless steel, offering superior hygiene and durability compared to historical clay or wooden vessels. Contemporary tanks are also designed with precise temperature and pressure controls, enabling brewers to achieve more consistent and refined flavours.
Historical brewing was limited by the materials and methods available at the time, resulting in a simpler, less controlled process.
What are the key features of stainless steel beer tanks and vessels?
Stainless steel beer tanks typically come in various sizes, feature a conical design for efficient fermentation, and have a lid for easy access during brewing processes.
What tanks are commonly used in brewing?
Fermenters, brite tanks, conical tanks, bright beer tanks, and storage tanks are common types of stainless steel tanks used in the brewing process.
