Brewery Goes Green

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By Nick Lough

Story Published: May 28, 2009 at 7:25 PM MDT

Story Updated: May 29, 2009 at 6:49 AM MDT

BILLINGS - Many businesses are looking to cut costs during these tough economic times, but a Red Lodge Brewery is doing just that without affecting their signature products.

After months of construction at Sam's Tap Room the two acre complex is nearly complete. However, the state of the art brewery's design plans are for more than just the perfect pour. "We have some nice energy efficient things. The primary is the solar array that's outside," Red Lodge Ale's Sam Hoffmann. The solar array isn't just to generate electricity, Hoffmann is using it to heat water to 180 degrees so he can brew his beer and when the weather switches the brewer has a different plan. "In the winter that hot water can also keep the floors warm. Its radiant floor heat in the building," said Hoffmann.

But the green fad doesn't stop there. Hoffmann is also installing equipment to create bio-fuel to fuel his trucks as they make Red Lodge Ales deliveries.

"I've always tried to be as energy efficient as possible," said Hoffmann. But he says at the heart of the operation it's still all about making quality brews. "I think people drink beer in good and bad times," said Hoffmann.

And if you're still looking for that local watering hole, Sam's Tap Room is there to serve an IPA, Hefeweizen, or Porter, now with a green twist.

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