Brian Faivre, Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR, U.S.A.
Brewhouse Operations I
Thursday, October 12
9:45–11:30 a.m.
M301–M302
Deschutes Brewery, the 8th largest craft brewer in the United States, is planning on opening a second production facility in Roanoke, Virginia, in the near future. To be able to financially fund this second production facility, a strategic effort has been to maximize existing capacity vs. expanding capacity with capital investments. Fermentations at Deschutes Brewery are comprised of 9 specified phases. Many of these phases require an operator to prepare and perform an analysis at the exact target moment to ensure the desired level of quality and to maximize fermentation capacity. A diverse brand portfolio, different classes of fermenters, and changes in raw materials add complexity to this timing. Machine learning and predictive analytics are becoming more mainstream and approachable for common users. Deschutes Brewery has utilized these techniques initially to predict fermentation ADF and diacetyl levels for all brands and classes of fermenters. This work has allowed Deschutes Brewery to improve quality and increase capacity. The longer-term vision is to utilize these concepts throughout brewery operations.
Brian started homebrewing while in college using a kit he purchased from a mail order catalog in 1994. Throughout his college years, while pursuing his B.S. degree in computer science, Brian continued his true passion of making beer at home. After five years working as a software engineer, Brian took his first professional brewing job, to the dismay of his parents, at a small pub in San Francisco. Two years later, Brian attended the UC Davis Master Brewers Program and earned his Diploma in Brewing from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. After finishing the UC Davis Master Brewers Program, Brian joined Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, as a production brewer. In 2006 he was promoted to lead brewer where he led the efforts to commission and improve the quality in their new 145 bbl primary brewhouse. In 2010 Brian was promoted to assistant brewmaster of technology where he focused his efforts on engineering and improving automation and data systems throughout the brewhouse and cellar operations. In 2011 Brian was promoted to brewmaster where he currently oversees all brewhouse and cellar operations. Brian lives in Bend with his wife Marjon, two children Leila and Andrew, and his parents, who are very proud of him.
View Presentation
