1,000 kegs? A canning line? Vans? Items from a closed Columbia brewery up for auction
If you’ve ever been in need of a beer canning line in pristine condition, you’re in luck.
A swath of professional brewing gear and other equipment — including kegs, cargo vans and more — that were once a part of Columbia’s River Rat Brewery are set to be auctioned, according to a news release from the Branford Group, which hosts auctions and equipment liquidation events worldwide.
River Rat, located on Shop Road, was one of the first handful of Columbia-based craft breweries to hit the local scene about a decade ago. It closed in December after 10 years in business.
“We want to thank all of our wonderful customers and employees for supporting us over these past 10+ years,” River Rat posted on social media ahead of that closure. “Memories that will always be close to our heart! RRB grew organically over these last 10 years and what a pleasure it was to serve the great community of Columbia and beyond.”
Now Branford Group is hosting an online auction for much of the brewery’s equipment and other materials. The auction will open at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 7, and will close at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 12. Those who wish to participate can register at the the Brantford Group’s website.
Branford director of business development Tyler Gardner said in a release that items in the auction, specifically a Wild Goose canning line and a swath of stainless steel tanks for brewing, are in “pristine condition.”
“This auction is a great opportunity for local breweries and restaurants to acquire high-quality equipment at a fraction of the cost,” Gardner said. “Plus, the vehicles, support equipment and taproom furnishings — there’s truly something for everyone.”
Just some of the equipment up for auction includes nearly two dozen stainless steel tanks, gear used for label printing, a large brewhouse system, a grain mill and more than 1,000 kegs of various sizes, per Branford Group.
Also up for bid will be a custom River Rat food and beverage trailer, a Dodge ProMaster sprinter van and two Nissan cargo vans. Kitchen equipment, yard games, TVs, tables, chairs and outdoor heaters will also be among items on offer, the Branford Group release said.
This story was originally published February 28, 2024 at 11:55 AM.
