Hillsdale Brewing Company gets new equipment. Courtesy | Hillsdale Brewing Company

The Hillsdale Brewing Company replaced its plastic fermenters with three stainless steel barrel fermenters and one stainless steel barrel brite tank earlier this month.

“I have been wanting this equipment since day one,” co-owner Roy Finch said. “But the cost of rehabilitating our building left me with no choice but to use plastic fermenters, which is what a lot of small breweries do, but it has its challenges.”

The new equipment is located in the fermenting room, which opened for public viewing in the beer garden Sept. 4. The fermenting room is where all the beer, wine, and ciders ferment, said Roy Finch, co-owner of the brewing company. 

Stainless steel looks nice, is easier to use, and reduces the risk of problems such as product infection, Finch said. 

Senior Joey Spoelstra said he thinks the new equipment is a great addition.

“Anywhere with great beer is a great place,” he said.

Senior Caleb Fournet said he loves Hillsdale Brewing Company because of its beer.

“I am excited to see the new equipment in the ferment room,” he said. “I already love the atmosphere of the brewing company but I think the viewing room will only make it better.” 

Finch said he is waiting on an electrician to add some track lighting over the tanks to showcase them better at night. 

“This is special to me because when you go to a lot of breweries you usually get to see the equipment, it’s kind of a brewery thing,” Finch said. “Although I don’t have a lot of giant tanks like some places have, it’s nice to say, ‘Hey, here is where the magic happens.’”