Un-sprinklered, Detached Barrel Storage Buildings

NFPA 30 (2015 edition mentioned here), the “Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code” Offers a route for buildings containing large volumes of flammable liquid to be non – sprinklered. Normally, when exceeding the MAQ’s of 120 gallons, sprinklers would be required, but chapter 13 of NFPA 30 provides an exception to allow for an unprotected (non […]

New Website is Up

Dalkita and Greystone Technology have been working hard on re-vamping our website. Well, the time has come, our new site is up and running, so check it out! We spent a lot of time expanding our portfolio to display our breadth of experience that we are very proud of, as well as some other additional […]

2021 Codes and Barrel Storage

As mentioned in a previous post, there were some major changes to the 2021 and new codes affecting distilleries. One of these major changes were how barrel storage is classified and treated. IFC Chapter 40 2021 IFC (International Fire Code) added a whole new chapter 40 , Storage of Distilled spirits and wines. The chapter […]

High Piled Combustible Storage for Distilleries

If you are storing barrels containing spirits in your facility, over 6 ft in height, then the provisions of chapter 32 of the IFC apply. This post is based on the 2015 IFC. These concepts generally apply to 2021 IFC as well, with minor adjustments. Chapter 32 of the IFC is titled “High-Piled Combustible Storage”, […]

Building Code- Spaces and Stories with 1 exit

The default for egress per the code is 2 exits out of spaces and stories, but the code does have several provisions permitting a single exit from a smaller spaces with limited number of occupants. Here will will go over the main concepts for single exit spaces and single exit stories. Single Egress from spaces […]

Significant 2021 Code Changes Affecting Distilleries

The 2021 and newer editions of the IBC (International Building Code) involved major changes affecting the design of distilleries. Jurisdictions adopt different editions at varying times. Many jurisdictions are still utilizing 2018 and earlier codes, but in the coming years, most jurisdictions will begin to adopt 2021 and newer editions. Check with your location jurisdiction […]

Thank you Downslope

In 2008 Andy Causey, Matt Causey, and Mitch Abate launched Downslope Distilling in Centennial, Colorado.  Andy Causey previously owned the Beer at Home Store in Englewood, CO and asked Jim Mitchel, a customer and architect for help.  Mitchel referred them to Dalkita. Together, Dalkita and Downslope designed and built one of the first micro-distilleries in Colorado.  […]

Insulation Code Requirements For Metal Buildings

Metal Buildings can often have some specific considerations in the energy code when it comes to insulation that can be a bit different than the requirements for other buildings. This post is based on the 2021 International Energy ConservationCOde (IECC), but local jurisdictions may adopt publications from different years or have amendments specific to their […]

Is bottling required to be an H-3 occupancy?

This is a question we get a lot.  As with most questions in life, the answer is “maybe.”  We can say, more often than not, bottling equipment does not have to be in a hazardous occupancy. Where International Code Council (ICC) Building Codes or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Codes are concerned the […]

New Mountain Home Design

On The Boards Take a look at a home design we have been working on for a client in Evergreen, CO. We have also been trying out a new rendering software, Lumion that seems to help create some really great images of the design!

Granite Crag House

Nearing Completion A lot has progress since we last posted on this house that Dalkita designed and built! We are getting close to completion. Drywall is done, and we have most of our flooring and tile in. Next steps are trim, interior doors, cabinets, counters, appliance, final MEP, painting, and then ready for the owner […]

Granite Crag House

Dalkita is designing and building another mountain home. Check out the progress here!

Ladder Effect & Guardrails

I recently came across an issue regarding how horizontal intermediate railings, like shown below, can cause a hazard to children, because they can climb up these and fall over. It is referred to as the “ladder effect”. This seems like a real possible issue at first glance, but we will dive into this a little […]

Distilling Craft: Bee Prepared

We’ve got a legislative update (Permanent FET Relief?!) a segment with Craig Englehorn from Spirit Hound Distillery on Emergency Preparation for Distilleries. Tips from someone that’s been through a natural disaster emergency situation and brought the distillery out the other side of it. Also we talk with Bee Squared about their 2020 Good Food Award Winning Barrel Aged Honey, the state of bees in the Rocky Mountain Region, and how we all can support our winged pollinators better no matter where in the world you are listening from.

Building an Energy-Efficient Mountain Home

Here are our top five cost-effective and simple ways to achieve energy efficiency in a custom mountain home. #1. Passive Solar – Harness the Sun It can get quite cold at higher elevation in mountainous areas. There is also plentiful sunshine. One of the best ways to be energy-efficient is to capture the heat gain […]

Home Build Complete!

Since the last post, we have been wrapping up all the final touches. Final electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire sprinkler, painting and trim were all completed. Our power was turned on. We got the septic started up. Got internet service installed. Installed a garage door opener, and finished the fireplace. There was very nearly A MILLION […]

Finishes- Light at the end of the tunnel!

We keep hoping that we will get to a point where it’s less busy, but it just keeps getting busier! We are pushing towards finishing this thing and about 3 weeks out! Since the last post, we’ve has all tile go in, our wood ceiling, wood flooring, cabinets, counters, interior doors and trim. This week […]

Drywalling & Getting Ready for Finishes

Drywall is going in! There were some delays because the delivery of drywall got delayed, but were hoping its all done in about 2 weeks. We’re in a bit of a time crunch because the tiler can only get in on the week of the 17th, so needing to make sure we get drywall done […]

Finishing Rough Ins, Painting, Deck, & Insulation

We’ve been wrapping up all our rough-ins, getting inspection sign offs for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fireplace, and fire sprinkler. We also just got the exterior painted which has been exciting! Rough Inspections All in all, the rough inspections went pretty well: Mechanical– Corrections included add some taping to bathroom exhaust ducts (local code amendment), and […]

Framing Through Rough-Ins

Since mid-May 2020, we’ve gone from just having walls framed up to having windows, siding, roofing, and decks. As well as rough-ins for HVAC, plumbing, and fire sprinklers. Its been a busy month! On a personal note, while it has been very exciting and fun building our own house, its also been pretty stressful. We […]

Distilling Craft: Tied Houses

Let’s talk tied house violations and the 3-tier system with Professor Danial Croxall from McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific in Sacramento, CA. Seven Stills from San Francisco is our case study.

Excavation Through Framing

A lot has happened since I last posted! Last time I posted, we had just cleared the trees to prep the lot for digging. We have excavated and installed the septic, excavated the house, formed the foundation walls, perimeter drain/ dampproofing, installed underground plumbing/radon, poured the floor, and started framing! It has been a busy […]

Fire Rating Options at Interior Windows

There are several instances when you may be required to have a fire resistant wall between two areas or rooms within a building. One of the most common reasons for this would be two different occupancies that require a fire rating between them. For instance, an H-3 (High Hazard) occupancy adjacent to an A-2 (Assembly […]

Sprinklers In Single Family Residential

Sprinklers in Single Family Homes, say what???? I don’t believe I have ever seen a fire sprinkler system in a stand alone, single family home. Unlike large office buildings, apartment buildings, or warehouses, where fire sprinkler systems are common, I always assumed that single family homes were exempt from needing sprinklers. So, when I went […]

Distilling School – 101

Extremely wonderful class! Experts in their field and tons of accessible knowledge to take with you for your Distillery journey. Whether you are an experienced distiller looking to open up a distillery or someone looking into becoming a distiller, you will gain knowledge to excel, from this class.

Building a Mountain Home

Hi, my name is Matt Taylor-Rennert. Recently, my husband I decided to build a custom home for our family in Evergreen, CO, a mountain community just outside of Denver. We currently live in Denver, and have always wanted to live in the mountains. After not finding any existing homes that we liked in our price […]

The Permitting Process

Here we will cover cover the general processes that go on when getting a building permit for a new building or remodel. While every jurisdiction will have their own specific ways of permitting, there are many similarities that seem to span across many different places. Zoning Review Most jurisdictions have zoning rules. Some areas will […]

Distilling Craft: Amari Amaro

A HUGE DOUBLE EPISODE. Colleen Moore from Dalkita talks with Mark Vierthaler Head Distiller of Tenth Ward Distilling Company out of Fredrick, MD about their Pawpawmaro. A clever combination of Amaro + Paw Paws. Amaro as a definition is discussed, plus the delicate, rare fruit native to North America.

Outdoor Portions of Buildings & Code Considerations

This article will cover which “outdoor” building portions are or aren’t considered part of the building and which are or aren’t subject to varying codes. What is part of the building area? Any area that is covered by a roof covering. So, this could include entryways/ driveway overhanging, covered patios, canopies, decks, porte-cocheres, other projections, […]

Distilling Craft: Ready Or Not…

Colleen Moore of Dalkita talks with Greg Lehman the founder of Watershed Distillery in Columbus, OH about Hammerschlagen & growth. The last 10 years have brought an expanding facility, new barrelhouse, new equipment and the addition of a restaurant. We discuss production on a continuous column still and later – make a big announcement.

Distilling Craft: Joie de Vervet

Colleen Moore of Dalkita talks with Hope Ewing of Vervet out of Los Angeles, CA talks with us a bit about her book Movers & Shakers, the development of Vervet a line of canned cocktails available in the very urban area of Los Angeles, CA – including some interesting history on cocktail styles and the background of flavors from L.A.’s ethnic heritage.

Distilling Craft: Please, Continue… (Part 2 of Continuous Columns)

Colleen Moore of Dalkita talks with Greg Lehman the founder of Watershed Distillery in Columbus, OH about Hammerschlagen & growth. The last 10 years have brought an expanding facility, new barrelhouse, new equipment and the addition of a restaurant. We discuss production on a continuous column still and later – make a big announcement.

Distilling Craft: Continuous Columns

Continuous Column operation is explained along with a distillery profile and glimpse into Headframe’s plan for the future growth of the company.

Distillery Wastewater & BOD’s

The majority of liquid waste from a distillery is stillage/ spent wash: the leftover liquid after a still run, mostly water. Wastewater districts typically have rules and regulations stating what, and how much of different materials they will accept in their system. Every locality is different, so contact your local wastewater treatment authority to find […]

Design Contract Concepts you should NEVER agree to.

Insurance companies are selling Architects and Engineers (A/E or Design professionals) a bill of goods that could leave you and your project exposed to risk and uninsured when you need to make a claim.  A/Es are being told that if they limit their liability in their contracts, they can get a big discount in their […]

The Trickle-Down Economy

An Architect’s Musings on Modern Business Principles Extremely large companies enrich their bank accounts and the salaries of their CEOs by delaying payment to their very large vendors for 90 days or more. Those very large vendors then delay payment to their medium-size vendors who delay payment to their smaller vendors who delay payment – […]

Portable Fire Extinguishers for Distilleries

Once your distillery production goes over the Maximum Allowable Quantities the Building and Fire Codes mandate the building must be equipped with fire sprinklers. Once you have fire sprinklers though, are fire extinguishers even needed anymore? Yes. Dalkita and every fire professional, ever. Portable fire extinguishers are the first line of defense in a building. […]

Code Required Signage In Distilleries

While the marketing of your distillery may involve keywords like “craft”, “flavor”, and “locally made”…in the eyes of the law, and primarily fire prevention authorities, the word distillery translates more toward “flammable liquids factory”. So, as one can imagine, there are many rules that come along with this, and some of those rules involve signage […]

Allowable Areas Of Buildings

Building Codes (IBC) sets limits of building areas, heights, and stories based on how fire restive the building is. Why It Matters When a new tenant or owner of a building comes in and wants to change the occupancy of all or part of the building, it is incumbent on them to make sure that […]

MAQs- Maximum Allowable Quantities

MAQ’s (Maximum Allowable Quantities) are an important concept when designing and building a distillery. The concept of MAQ’s comes from the International Building & Fire Codes (IBC & IFC). These codes regulate the safety of design and operations within buildings. The MAQ’s sets limits for different materials used or stored within building to determine at […]

Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems

Automatic fire sprinklers have been in existence for over a century, and since their widespread implementation, have extinguished many fires and saved countless lives. A majority of fires are extinguished in buildings that are designed and maintained properly. How Sprinklers Work Sprinkler piping is distributed throughout a building, usually overhead at ceilings, with spray heads […]

Top 10 Tips for Steam Boilers

We are happy to bring you a guest post today from a lifelong and licensed boiler maintenance and inspection technician. Mark Decker possesses a  wealth of knowledge about steam boilers and exhibits that knowledge for his customers at Sellers Manufacturing. With the spike in boiler incidents at distilleries we thought it would be a great […]

Social Normalization of Deviance

Sounds naughty, doesn’t it? It is, in a way. Social Normalization of Deviance is a sociological theory identified and defined by Diane Vaughan a professor from Columbia University. Vaughan defines it this way: “people within [an] organization become so…accustomed to a deviant behavior that they don’t consider it deviant, despite the fact that they far […]

Static Electricity In Distilleries

What is Static Electricity? stat·ic  e·lec·tric·i·ty (noun) a stationary electric charge, typically produced by friction, that causes sparks. The Basics: -The world is made of atoms -Atoms have electrons protons and neutrons -Protons and neutrons are held tightly to the nucleus of the atom. -Electrons are loosely connected to atoms and can easily move to […]

How To Write A Distiller’s Process Description

What is a distillers process description? This is a written document that clearly describes every step of the process that is involved with making your product. From delivery methods through bottling, it details each step so that someone who may be unfamiliar with the distilling industry (i.e. a fire or building code official) can quickly […]

Moving Day!!

Dalkita just moved offices! We’ve moved into a small office building just West of Downtown Littleton (South Metro Denver). Since recently dealing with the move, we thought why not write about it and share our experiences, thoughts, and tips!  Matt’s new office   Moving can be stressful, fun, exciting, annoying, exhausting…and the list goes on. […]

Building A Distillery: What is the Process? (Part 3)

The process of building a distillery can be a nebulous concept to wrap one’s mind around. Each licensed design professional (architect/ engineer) has their own process and phases and names for each step. Each project has one-of-a-kind building conditions, site conditions, building and fire regulatory environments. Rather than thinking of this in terms of “Steps […]

Building A Distillery: What is the Process? (Part 2)

The process of building a distillery can be a nebulous concept to wrap one’s mind around. Each licensed design professional (architect/ engineer) has their own process and phases and names for each step. Each project has one-of-a-kind building conditions, site conditions, building and fire regulatory environments. Rather than thinking of this in terms of “Steps […]

Building A Distillery: What is the Process?

The process of building a distillery can be a nebulous concept to wrap one’s mind around. Each licensed design professional (architect/ engineer) has their own process and phases and names for each step. Each project has one-of-a-kind building conditions, site conditions, building and fire regulatory environments. Rather than thinking of this in terms of “Steps […]

Building A Distillery: What is the Process? (Part 1)

The process of building a distillery can be a nebulous concept to wrap one’s mind around. Each licensed design professional (architect/ engineer) has their own process and phases and names for each step. Each project has one-of-a-kind building conditions, site conditions, building and fire regulatory environments. Rather than thinking of this in terms of “Steps […]

Egress!

Egress is defined as “the action of going out of or leaving a place”.  Egress is a major component of safety features in the building, and has an entire chapter devoted to it in the IBC (International Building Code). This post will cover some of the main concepts that the code uses to ensure a […]

What is the LFL & What does it mean to you?

What is the LFL? The LFL (Lower Flammable Limit) is a concept related to flammability & fire safety.  The LFL is defined as : Usually expressed in volume per cent, is the lower end of the concentration range over which a flammable mixture of gas or vapour in air can be ignited at a given […]

How Many Plumbing Facilites Are Required In a Building?

The IBC (International Building Code) and the IPC (International Plumbing Code) provide prescriptive requirements to calculating the minimum number of plumbing facilities needed in a building, including toilets, sinks, & drinking fountains.  Calculate Occupant Load First you need to calculate the number of occupants for a space. The occupant load table in chapter 10 of […]

Programming Your Distillery

One of the first steps in the planning and design of a Distillery is Programming. It is an important process that will help you define the space you need, or want to have to achieve your goals as a business.  Architectural programming is a structured research and problem-solving process used to identify, examine, and elaborate upon […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 021

Ch-ch-changes w/ Colleen Moore from Dalkita in Englewood, CO Distilling Craft: Ch-ch-changes by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Join the new listener club on www.dalkita.com/shownotes to be notified about our ALL NEW shows coming out for Season 2. Official Season 1 wrap-up and hints about upcoming […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 020

PoTAto/Potato w/ Mark Kleckner from Woody Creek – Basalt, CO Distilling Craft: Potato-Potato by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Potato fermentation is covered including ways that it is similar to and different from grain. What to look for in your potato crop is also covered. Mark Kleckner from […]

Stair, Ramp, & Railing Design

The IBC (International Building Code)  prescribes minimum requirements for the design of stairs, ramps, and their railings. These are very important features to a building that are included in the code to ensure safe access and egress from buildings, under both normal and emergency situations. Here is a summary of these main requirements! “Rise & […]

No building codes out in the middle of nowhere! Think again.

In the U.S. , a lot of folks that are in rural areas may think that they don’t have any building codes where they live. Well, the truth is, that there certainly is code in most places in the country. What they are really lacking is regulation.  While freedom from building codes may seem great, […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 018

Slow As Molasses w/ Coty Edwards from Hidden Stills Spirits  – Lebannon, PA Distilling Craft: Slow as Molasses by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Molasses fermentation is discussed along with tips for buying and storing it. Coty Edwards with Hidden Still Spirits in Lebanon, PA is interviewed […]

Prohibition On Flammable Liquids In Plastic Totes

What Are IBC Plastic Totes and what is prohibited from being stored in them? If you’ve been to a few distilleries, you might have seen these around: Large plastic IBC (intermediate bulk container) totes. IBC totes are lightweight, come in a variety of sizes (often seen in 275 gallons or more),  and are affordable. They […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 017

Rye, Matey! w/ Campbell Morrissey from Mother Road Brewing Co. – Flagstaff, AZ Distilling Craft: Rye, Matey! by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Rye mashing, milling, and fermentation are discussed to finish up the grain portion of the fermentation series. Campbell Morrissey of Mother Road Brewing is […]

Harnessing The Sun – Passive Solar Sustainability Concepts In Buildings

There’s many ways to capture the energy of the sun to help heat a building. This can be often be done by simply thinking about the path of the sun. It may have no cost increase , and can potentially have dramatic savings on utility costs. Using the Sun For Natural Heating & Cooling The […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 016

Apple a Day w/ Colin Keegan & Noya Gilmore from Santa Fe Spirits in NM Distilling Craft: Apple A Day by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Distilling Craft Podcast Episode 16Apple fermentation is discussed including different sources and the treatment of freshly picked apples to get […]

Important Considerations for a Design of Boiler Rooms in Distilleries

example of a steam boiler used in a distillery Location, Location, Location Ideally, the location of a boiler room in your distillery wants to be as close to the equipment that it is serving as possible.  In general, this means as close to your still and fermenters as possible. This is meant to minimize the […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 015

Yum! Candy Corn with Mike Reppucci of Sons of Liberty Spirits Company Distilling Craft: Yum! Candy Corn by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode of Distilling Craft corn fermentation and mashing are reviewed with techniques to reduce mash viscosity. Mike Reppucci from Sons of […]

Secondary Containment

What is Secondary Containment? Secondary containment requirements are found in the International Fire Code, a model code that is extensively used throughout the U.S. for safe building design and function. Most jurisdictions in the U.S. adopt this code as law, with some jurisdictions adopting a variation of it. For the purpose of distilleries, high proof […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 014

Amber Waves with Chad Butters from Eight Oak Craft Distillery – New Tripoli, PA Distilling Craft: Amber Waves by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode various aspects of using wheat as a fermentation base are discussed including selecting the grain, milling and mashing. Chad Butters […]

ADA Compliance Overview

Welcome! The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is an important topic that those involved with the construction or remodel of buildings or spaces should be aware of and informed on. This post touches on some of the main ADA design issues we often come across when working with new and existing buildings, especially in distilleries! […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 013

My Lucky Barley with Dylan Mobley from Bottle Logic Brewery in Anaheim, CA Distilling Craft: My Lucky Barley by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we talk about Barley and what to look for in selecting the variety you use for fermentation. Dylan Mobley […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 012

Breakin’ Chains with Ryan Hembree from Skip Rock Distillers in Snohomish, WA Distilling Craft: Breakin’ Chains by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we talk about different sources of sugar and how they change between different fermentation base materials. Ryan Hembree from Skip Rock […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 011

8675309/(Gin)y with Rob Masters from Family Jones Distilling in Breckenridge, CO Distilling Craft: 8675309-(Gin)y by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we are talking about gin and the different ways to make it. Then Rob Masters is the interview but unfortunately, it was partially […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 010

The Proof You Need with Adam Spiegel from Sonoma County Distilling Co. Distilling Craft: The Proof You Need by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we are talking about proofing and gauging spirits as well as the sources of error in your measurement and […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 009

Milling It Over with Jody Thorpe from Dancing Pines Distilling Craft: Milling it Over by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.  In this episode, we are talking about milling of grains and the pluses and minuses to different ways to get grain into your distillery. The interview […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 008

Sustaining Momentum with Karen Hoskin Distilling Craft: Sustaining Momentum by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we are talking about sustainability of distilleries including energy efficiency and utilizing sustainable materials. The interview is Karen Hoskin of Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte, Colorado and we […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 007

You Only Still Twice with Chip Tate Distilling Craft: You Only Still Twice by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we are talking about custom still design and more info on pot stills. Later in the podcast, I bring in Chip Tate of Tate […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 006

Barrels of Fun with Henric Molin Distilling Craft: Barrels of Fun by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.  In this episode, we are talking about barrel maturation and warehousing. Later in the podcast, I bring in Henric Molin of Spirit of Hven in Backafallsbyn, Sweden and we […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 005

The Cooler with Jason Barrett Distilling Craft: The Cooler by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.   In this episode, we are talking about process cooling. Later in the podcast, I bring in Jason Barrett out of Black Button Distilling in Rochester, NY and we talk about […]

2017 Distilling School

Downslope Distilling in Centennial, Colorado Scott Moore, M. Arch, from Dalkita Construction will be teaching the portion of Downslope Distillery’s School dealing with facility site selection, compliance with various codes and general tips to get a distillery up and running with the blessing of BOTH the building department and the fire department of the local jurisdiction. “The […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 004

Gleaming Scales with Lukas Smith Distilling Craft: Gleaming Scales by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.   In this episode, we are talking with Lukas Smith out of Cotton & Reed out of Washington D.C. about how to create herbal flavors in spirits and cocktails. Later – […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 003

The Cleaners with Mike Rasmussen   Distilling Craft: The Cleaners by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we bring in Mike Rasmusen out of Painted Stave Distilling out of Smyrna, Delaware and we talk about how to create products that have the same sense […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 002

Yeastie Boys with Sean Smiley Distilling Craft: Yeastie Boys by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.  In this episode, we are talking to Sean Smiley out of State 38 Distilling in Golden, Colorado about developing disruptive products. Later in the show there is some bonus information from […]

Distilling Craft: Ep 001

 The Still Life with John McKee from Headframe Spirits – Butte, MT  Distilling Craft: The Still Life with John McKee from Headframe – Butte, MT by Dalkita Architecture & Construction is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. In this episode, we are talking to John McKee of Headframe Spirits. We talk about the […]

Craft Distillery Milling: In-house or Outsource?

© Marilyn Barbone | Dreamstime.com – Grain and Cereal SelectionA craft distillery’s type, source and style of grain for its products is one of the first decisions a distillery makes, and it is a complex and multi-layered decision. Let’s look at the decision from the cost and facility complexity perspectives. The least expensive dollar/pound option for […]

Micro-Distillery Design & Construction Reference List

We are often asked about the publications and books we use in our architecture practice and construction business. We have put together a list of books, approximate cost and where to buy them in one handy PDF. Of course, every facility is unique – from the mix of codes the jurisdiction uses, to the application […]

How Oil & Gas Drive Up the Price of Construction

A recent survey from Associated General Contractors of America found that 83% of firms across the country are having trouble keeping/ filling positions related to construction. Dalkita can confirm this trend with first-hand knowledge. The Denver area is in full-boom with projects happening all over the metro area. Some jobs experience delays due to the […]

Distiller & Developer Partnerships

Historically we have worked with distillers that are looking to either expand existing operations or start up a new venture. Often we are asked if we know of anyone that would be willing to partner with them in getting the venture going. As a result, Dalkita is in contact with investors and developers who are interested in […]

Direct Fire, Gas or Steam?

Many questions that distillers ponder in setting up their distillery center around the still. The purchase of a still is a major investment, for many it is the single largest expense in a new distillery – outside of purchasing a property. It makes complete business sense that during the thoughtful contemplation of still acquisition that the […]

Frank Lloyd Wright designed R/D Tower Opens to the Public in May

The building was commissioned by SC Johnson for their research and development division to house their scientists in the mid 20th century. M.L. Johnson of the Associated Press indicates that the cutting edge architecture may have actually helped inspire the scientists stating, “within eight years of its 1950 opening they developed four of the company’s […]

CopperMuse Distillery Opens in Fort Collins

Dalkita is excited to announce the opening of our latest distillery architectural design client: CopperMuse in Fort Collins, CO. CopperMuse had substantially completed construction of their facility in December of 2013 and has spent the past 3 months waiting for various approvals from the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau including their Distilled Spirits […]

2014 Distilling School

Downslope Distilling in Centennial, Colorado Scott Moore, M. Arch, from Dalkita Construction will be teaching the portion of Downslope Distillery’s School dealing with facility site selection, compliance with various codes and general tips to get a distillery up and running with the blessing of BOTH the building department and the fire department of the local jurisdiction. “The […]

Code Considerations for Craft Distilleries

Approvals and permits from local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) over a facility are a critical component of a properly permitted facility.  However, many owners find discrepancies between the various codes frustrating and hard to understand.  Scott Moore, licensed architect and contractor, offers a two-hour seminar titled “Code Considerations for Craft Distilleries.”  This two-hour presentation provides an […]

Summit County will require sprinklers for distilleries

Unfortunately, as currently written, the amendments to the International Fire Code will also require a ventilation system that will make proper aging of whiskey impossible and require cost prohibitive secondary containment.   Joe Moylan of the the Summit Daily News reported Oct. 7, 2013, that fire officials from three Summit County fire protection districts are […]

Englewood welcomes craft distilleries, breweries, and wineries

On September 3, 2013 the Englewood, Colo. City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the Englewood Municipal Code to allow small distilleries, breweries, and wineries in the downtown business district along South Broadway and Hampden Avenue, as well as larger operations in industrial zones. Brewing of beer was previously allowed, but distillation of alcohol was […]

In the news…

Denver Distillery’s founder, Ron Tarver, was interviewed recently about his plans for opening a distillery and tasting room in a historic building the Baker Neighborhood. Currently productions plans include vodka, gin and whiskey. It is going to be an interesting space with several unique architectural elements. We are very happy to be assisting with this […]

2013 Distillery School

Downslope Distilling in Centennial, Colorado Scott Moore, M. Arch, from Dalkita Construction will be teaching the portion of Downslope Distillery’s School dealing with facility site selection, compliance with various codes and general tips to get a distillery up and running with the blessing of BOTH the building department and the fire department of the local […]

Gin distillery a total loss after explosion

OR: Why Building Codes and Zoning Laws are Important On Monday, November 26, 2012 the Oldbury gin distillery in Langley, Oldbury, UK (West Midlands of England) caught fire and its contents exploded destroying the 19th century facility and severely damaging surrounding residential and private property. Over 100 firefighters took over 18 hours to extinguish the […]

NY Distillery Lucks Out

No major damage after fire On September 24, 2012 the Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery in Gardiner, NY suffered an equipment failure, subsequent fire and what appear to have been several small explosions in their distillation room. The incident damaged control mechanisms and finishes of their distillation equipment and the second story of their facility. According to […]