The difference between a nanobrewery and a microbrewery lies in the scale of production and the number of brewers involved. While both terms are used to describe breweries that focus on craft beer, a nanobrewery typically operates on an even smaller scale than a microbrewery.
A nanobrewery is often run by just one or two brewers, who handle all aspects of the brewing process. This small team allows for a great deal of creativity and experimentation, as they have complete control over recipe development and production. Because of their size, nanobreweries often have a more intimate and personal touch, as the brewers themselves are heavily involved in all aspects of the operation.
In terms of production volume, there is no specific limit or requirement for a nanobrewery. The term simply indicates that the brewery is operating on a very small scale. Some nanobreweries may produce just a few barrels of beer per batch, while others may produce slightly more. The focus is not on the quantity of beer produced, but rather on the quality and craftsmanship.
On the other hand, a microbrewery is typically larger than a nanobrewery in terms of production volume. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition for a microbrewery, it is generally understood to be a small-scale brewery that produces beer in larger quantities compared to a nanobrewery. Microbreweries may have a dedicated brewing team and may produce anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand barrels of beer per year.
The larger scale of a microbrewery often allows for wider distribution and availability of their beers. They may have the capacity to package their beers in bottles or cans and distribute them to local retailers, bars, and restaurants. Microbreweries also tend to have a larger customer base and may have a taproom or brewpub where customers can sample their beers on-site.
The main difference between a nanobrewery and a microbrewery lies in the scale of production and the number of brewers involved. A nanobrewery is typically smaller, with just one or two brewers, and operates on a very small scale, focusing on quality and craftsmanship. A microbrewery, while still small, produces beer in larger quantities and may have a dedicated team and wider distribution.