Author: CASSMAN Publish Time: 2025-09-05 Origin: CASSMAN BEER BREWING EQUIPMENT
Project Title: An Elegant, CE-Certified 600L "Showpiece" Brewery for "Le Chêne Doré" Restaurant
Client: The chef-owner of "Le Chêne Doré," a highly-regarded restaurant in a historic village in Provence, France, aiming to elevate their guest experience by brewing unique, food-pairing beers on-site.
Location: Provence, France
In France, brewing is increasingly seen not just as a craft, but as an extension of the nation's rich gastronomic tradition. The owner of "Le Chêne Doré" envisioned a small brewery within his restaurant, but with a uniquely French requirement: it had to be as beautiful and refined as the cuisine he serves. The brewery was not to be hidden in a back room, but to be a central, shining feature of the dining space—an "objet d'art" that tells a story of quality and craftsmanship. This required a supplier who was both a master engineer and a design-conscious artisan.
The project's success depended on mastering four key areas:
Absolute Regulatory Compliance: The entire system, especially the pressurized fermenters, had to be fully compliant with European Union directives, requiring CE marking and adherence to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU). This is a non-negotiable legal requirement for operation in France.
Exceptional Aesthetic Quality: The client requested a finish that went far beyond standard industrial stainless steel. The system needed to have a luxurious appearance, using materials and polishing techniques that would complement the restaurant's high-end interior design.
Brewing Versatility for Gastronomy: The system needed to provide the chef-brewer with precise control to create sophisticated beer styles—such as delicate Saisons, complex Belgian-style ales, and fruit-infused beers—that would pair perfectly with his menu.
Compact and Clean Integration: The brewery had to be installed within the existing restaurant floor plan, demanding a compact, self-contained design that was easy to clean and maintain in a customer-facing environment.
CASSMAN's team embraced the challenge, designing a stunning 600L 2-Vessel Electric Brewhouse on a skid-mounted platform, meticulously tailored to the client's vision.
Key System Features:
Full CE & PED Certification: CASSMAN managed the entire compliance journey. All pressure vessels were designed, manufactured, and tested according to PED standards, and the complete system was delivered with the official CE Declaration of Conformity and technical file, guaranteeing a smooth path to approval from French authorities.
"Rose Gold" Polished Copper & Mirror Finish: To achieve the desired "showpiece" look, the brewhouse vessels were clad in beautifully polished copper with a warm, "rose gold" hue. All other stainless steel surfaces, including the fermenters and the platform, were polished to a flawless mirror finish, creating a breathtaking visual centerpiece.
Precision PLC Control System: The brewery was equipped with a sophisticated yet user-friendly PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) touchscreen panel. This allowed for the programming of precise, multi-step mash schedules and automated temperature control, giving the chef the consistency and accuracy needed to craft refined and nuanced beers.
Skid-Mounted "Plug & Play" Design: The entire brewhouse, including the pumps, heat exchanger, and piping, was pre-assembled and pre-wired on a single, mirror-polished stainless steel skid. This compact design minimized on-site installation time and ensured a clean, organized, and professional appearance.
Our process was defined by close collaboration and an unwavering focus on quality.
Design & Visualization: We worked closely with the restaurant's owner and their interior designer, using detailed 3D models to perfect the brewery's layout and aesthetic. This allowed the client to see exactly how the polished copper and steel would capture the light and integrate into their space.
Certified Manufacturing Excellence: The system was built in our workshops by specialized craftsmen. The CE/PED compliance was verified at each step by an authorized third-party inspector (Notified Body), ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
Meticulous Logistics and Documentation: CASSMAN handled the secure shipping to the Port of Marseille and provided a perfect set of documents in both English and French, including the CE certificates, ensuring a seamless customs clearance and local inspection process.
Remote Installation Support: We provided detailed assembly guides and were available via video call to assist the local French installation team, ensuring every connection was made perfectly.
The installation of the CASSMAN brewery has transformed "Le Chêne Doré."
A Stunning Customer Attraction: The brewery is now a major talking point for guests, who admire its beauty and craftsmanship. It has significantly enhanced the restaurant's ambiance and brand identity.
Unique Culinary Creations: The chef is now brewing exclusive beers, using local Provençal herbs and fruits, creating unique beer-and-food pairings that have garnered attention from food critics.
Flawless Legal Operation: Thanks to the comprehensive CE/PED certification package, the brewery passed all French regulatory inspections without any issues, allowing the business to operate legally and with confidence.
A Delighted Owner: The chef-owner commented, "CASSMAN understood that we weren't just buying equipment; we were investing in the soul of our restaurant. They delivered a brewery that is technically perfect and aesthetically magnificent. The CE certification was handled perfectly, which was my biggest worry. It is, truly, a work of art."
The "Le Chêne Doré" project is a perfect example of CASSMAN's ability to meet the demands of the world's most sophisticated markets. We understand that for clients in places like France, quality is paramount—not just in function, but in form. Our capacity to combine rigorous European compliance with bespoke, high-end design makes us the ideal partner for businesses that aim to turn craft brewing into a true art form.
For a brewery that satisfies the regulations of the authorities and the eyes of the connoisseur, CASSMAN delivers with distinction.
