Author: CASSMAN Publish Time: 2025-09-05 Origin: CASSMAN BEER BREWING EQUIPMENT
Project Title: A 5BBL "American-Style" Direct-Fire Brewhouse for a New Craft Brewery in Bordeaux, France
Client: "Bordeaux Beer Company," founded by an American expatriate brewer aiming to introduce authentic, hop-forward American craft beers to the heart of France's renowned wine region.
Location: Bordeaux, France
While France has a rich history of brewing, the American craft beer revolution, with its bold IPAs and Pale Ales, has created a new wave of excitement among French consumers. Seizing this opportunity, an experienced American brewer relocated to Bordeaux with a clear mission: to brew genuine American-style craft beer locally. To do this, he needed a brewery that mirrored the robust, straightforward, and effective systems he was familiar with in the U.S. He needed a partner who could speak his language (both figuratively and literally, in terms of brewery specifications) while navigating the complexities of European regulations.
The client's unique position as an American brewer in France created a specific set of requirements:
Familiar System, Foreign Land: The brewer was most comfortable with the American "BBL" (barrel) unit of measurement and preferred a classic 3-vessel, direct-fire brewhouse—a common workhorse setup in the U.S. craft scene.
Built for Hops: The core of the business plan was producing hop-heavy styles. This demanded a kettle and whirlpool designed for high hop loads and excellent aroma/flavor extraction.
The CE Certification Hurdle: While an expert brewer, the client was unfamiliar with the mandatory CE/PED certification for pressure equipment in Europe. He needed a supplier who could not only build the equipment but also guarantee its full compliance, removing a major potential obstacle.
Reliability and Simplicity: As a small, founder-led operation, the brewery needed to be reliable, easy to operate, and straightforward to maintain, allowing the brewer to focus on production and growing his brand.
CASSMAN demonstrated its flexibility and global expertise by engineering a solution that felt American but was fully prepared for Europe: a 5BBL 3-Vessel Direct-Fire Brewhouse.
Key System Features:
Customized in BBLs: We designed and fabricated the entire system using the client's preferred 5BBL specifications, making the transition seamless for him. This included a 5BBL brewhouse and a cellar of 5BBL and 10BBL fermenters.
Efficient Direct-Fire Heating: We engineered a safe and efficient direct-fire system for the kettle. This heating method, favored by many American startups for its simplicity and the unique caramelization it can impart, was designed with all necessary safety interlocks and insulation to meet strict EU standards.
Classic 3-Vessel "Workhorse" Layout: The system featured a Mash Tun, Lauter Tun, and a combined Kettle/Whirlpool. This robust and intuitive layout is perfect for a single brewer, allowing for a clear, linear process and efficient production of a wide range of ales.
Full CE Compliance as a Service: CASSMAN acted as the client's compliance partner. We handled the entire CE/PED certification process, from design calculations and material traceability to final documentation. We delivered the brewery with a complete technical file, ensuring it would pass French inspections without any issues.
Our process was defined by clear communication and a commitment to making the client's international venture a success.
Speaking the Brewer's Language: Our sales and engineering teams communicated with the client using his preferred BBL units and terminology, ensuring all specifications were perfectly understood.
Transparent Manufacturing: The client received regular photo and video updates from our workshop, allowing him to see his American-style brewery being built to European standards.
Guided Logistics: We managed the complete shipping process to France and provided a clear, consolidated package of all customs and CE documents, simplifying the import process for the client.
Plug-and-Play Philosophy: The system was designed for straightforward assembly. We provided detailed 3D diagrams, labeled components, and remote support, enabling the client to get his brewery up and running with confidence.
The Bordeaux Beer Company successfully launched, becoming a local hotspot for those seeking a taste of the American craft beer scene.
Authentic Flavors Achieved: The direct-fire system and brewhouse design performed exactly as the brewer hoped, allowing him to perfectly replicate the American IPA and Pale Ale recipes that defined his brand.
Stress-Free Regulatory Approval: Thanks to CASSMAN's meticulous CE certification work, the brewery passed all local safety and equipment inspections on the first attempt. The client remarked, "CASSMAN took care of the CE part, which was a huge weight off my shoulders. I could focus on my business plan, not on red tape."
Reliable Production: The robust and simple design of the brewhouse has allowed for consistent, trouble-free brew days, proving to be the reliable "workhorse" the founder needed.
A Successful Cultural Bridge: The brewery is a thriving success, introducing a new beer culture to a traditional region and proving that with the right partner, a brewer's vision can cross any border.
This project in Bordeaux showcases CASSMAN's unique ability to act as a global manufacturing partner that bridges cultural and technical divides. We understand that a brewery is a personal tool for a brewer's craft. By accommodating specific traditions and terminologies—like the American BBL system—while ensuring absolute compliance with local regulations like CE, we empower brewers to succeed, wherever their passion takes them.
Whether your brewing style is from Belgium, America, or anywhere in between, CASSMAN has the expertise to build the brewery you need to thrive.
