While it's certainly delicious, making beer isn't entirely eco-friendly, so Clearwater-based Big Storm Brewing Co. is trying to do something about that by reusing its own carbon emissions.
Using CiCi technology from Earthly Labs, Big Storm now has two systems in the works to capture carbon dioxide from the brewing and distilling process, and reuse the CO2 to help reduce emissions.
The new tech is projected to capture enough CO2 to equal 1,500 trees worth within the year, according to a press release from the company.
Earthly Labs— a public benefit corporation from Austin, TX— describes the double-door-fridge-sized CiCi unit as "patented purification technology" with a three-step process that "dries, scrubs, and liquifies the mixed gas to remove oxygen, moisture, acid gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and aromas."
“Reusing the purified carbon will give the beer a nicer taste and mouth feel," adds Govoni.
A Vermont brewery that uses similar technology paid $120,000 for its CO2 reuse system, but Big Storm would not disclose how much it invested in the technology for its facility.
Beer fermentation produces carbon dioxide, and with the state's CO2 emissions ranking third worst in the country, according to a 2018 study from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, this alteration is intended to be a positive in the fight against climate change.
"We (Big Storm) want to be proactive by reducing our carbon emissions to ensure a better future for everyone. We hope our commitment to sustainability inspires others," said Big Storm co-owner L.J. Govoni in a statement.
Big Storm, founded in 2012 by Mike Bishop and Govoni, has cemented its place in the coolers of Florida beer lovers with namesake flavors like Tropic Pressure Florida Ale and Key Lime Shandy.
To experience this environmentally-friendly brew, the four taprooms in the state can be found in Clearwater, Orlando, Odessa, and Cape Coral.
