Can i do 3gal AG batches with my equip?

TechyDork · 10-06-2009, 06:35 PM

I currently have an SQ14 burner, a 5 gal pot, and a 5 gal cooler that i will convert to my MLT. Will this allow me to do 3 gal batches of moderate gravity beers, up to 1.075 or so?

I am thinking of moving to 3 gal batches to cut down the cost, and to allow me to brew more often. i currently have a small amount of storage space, and don't go through 5 gal batches as fast as i would like, so doing smaller batches would allow me to experiment more and have more styles in my pipeline. plus making it cheaper makes SWMBO happy, and when she is happy then i am happy

I may eventually upgrade to a 15gal pot and a larger cooler, but i need to keep that cost down as much as possible in the short term.

is this a vailable option for me?

**Bobby_M** · 10-06-2009, 06:58 PM

Yeah, you'll also need a bucket or some other container to drain the first wort into while you're still holding sparge water in the 5g pot.

craigbrew · 10-06-2009, 07:12 PM

I just did a 2.5 gal batch of a 1.050 beer with a 5 gal cooler and a 4 gal pot. So getting a 1.070 beer should be no problem there was a lot of room left in the cooler. You can get 12lbs of grains in there no problem.

**Saccharomyces** · 10-06-2009, 07:21 PM

Sounds like a great setup to me. 3 gal is also perfect to ferment in a corny keg if you find one cheap.

TechyDork · 10-06-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccharomyces

Sounds like a great setup to me. 3 gal is also perfect to ferment in a corny keg if you find one cheap.

Fermenters is one thing i have covered, i have been doing 5gal Extract/PM batches and have one 6.5g carboy and three 5g carboys.

TechyDork · 10-06-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

Yeah, you'll also need a bucket or some other container to drain the first wort into while you're still holding sparge water in the 5g pot.

I do have my bottling bucket that i could use for that to start with until i move to a large boil pot.

thesanch · 10-06-2009, 08:12 PM

SNB, you have a similar setup as me. Although, I bought a 10 gallon Rubbermaid cooler for when I get a bigger kettle. I was planning on doing 3 gallon batches. My first all grain attempt will be a few weeks and I'll be brewing Yooper's DFH 60 minute IPA Clone!

UnderThePorchBrewing · 10-06-2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNB

I currently have an SQ14 burner, a 5 gal pot, and a 5 gal cooler that i will convert to my MLT. Will this allow me to do 3 gal batches of moderate gravity beers, up to 1.075 or so?

I am thinking of moving to 3 gal batches to cut down the cost, and to allow me to brew more often. i currently have a small amount of storage space, and don't go through 5 gal batches as fast as i would like, so doing smaller batches would allow me to experiment more and have more styles in my pipeline.

is this a vailable option for me?

pretty much my thinking 6 months ago. I now do mostly 2.5 and 3 gallon batches and am much happier as I can still brew often and can try different styles. I almost stopped brewing due to 5 gallons every time being too much esp when it didn't turn out too well, and my wife does not see 2 cases of each brew stacking up. (cost)

I actually have done a bigger beer, a barleywine, but did a partial mash rather than an AG with this setup and it turned out great. both my wife and I sit around the firepit at night occasionally and have one. love brewing one case at a time, often. I think you will enjoy it.

TechyDork · 10-06-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesanch

SNB, you have a similar setup as me. Although, I bought a 10 gallon Rubbermaid cooler for when I get a bigger kettle. I was planning on doing 3 gallon batches. My first all grain attempt will be a few weeks and I'll be brewing Yooper's DFH 60 minute IPA Clone!

Good luck with your first AG!! I just ordered the goods to do my final two PM batches, Milk Chocolate Stout and a Bourbon Vanilla Porter. I should be jumping into the 3g all grain world at the end of the month!

TechyDork · 10-06-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Under_the_Porch_Brewing

pretty much my thinking 6 months ago. I now do mostly 2.5 and 3 gallon batches and am much happier as I can still brew often and can try different styles. I almost stopped brewing due to 5 gallons every time being too much esp when it didn't turn out too well, and my wife does not see 2 cases of each brew stacking up. (cost)

I actually have done a bigger beer, a barleywine, but did a partial mash rather than an AG with this setup and it turned out great. both my wife and I sit around the firepit at night occasionally and have one. love brewing one case at a time, often. I think you will enjoy it.

That sounds exactly like what i am hoping to do, firepit and all!