So it turns out that our safety paranoia got the better of us. A pressure reducing valve in the steam line, intended to protect the kettle from exceeding 30psi, is preventing it from reaching boil. No beer today.

Breaking out the wrenches, because we’re back to plumbing.

The first few kernels of malt hitting the rollers.

We’re heating the first liquor and milling our grain. On track for a first batch, the Golden State Ale, to run this evening.

It is Thursday, August 30th, and Uncommon Brewers has begun operations.

Several hours of delving into the arcane arts of 220 volt electrical wiring later, we realize that all of our problems can be traced back to one source: the original wiring in our breaker box was performed by electricians even more amateur than us.

Power has been restored, pumps are running, and tomorrow we make steam.