Lighter Beer?

HereFerbeer · 12-28-2006, 09:11 PM

Hey guys had my first all grain run through the other day and overall it went great, the bucket is bubbling as we speak. Like anything I now know some things that I could have done better but that's the learning process. My question: After boiling (btw...this should be a true winter ale seeing as how my keg boiled on a fire as snow came down around us) I had less overall wort as expected. I had about 4.25 gallons and was expecting 5 gallons. Being a man who wants to finish right what he started I added about .75 gallons to get it up to 5 gallons (and also to help cool it). Will this in effect make a "lighter" beer? I was originally going for around 8.1% so I'm hoping this might just throw it down a few notches, which I can handle.

**the_bird** · 12-28-2006, 09:18 PM

Did you check the gravity?

HereFerbeer · 12-28-2006, 10:06 PM

No, this first time around I just followed the recipe as close as possible and hoped for the best, plus I still need to purchase a hydrometer. However, I can tell you that according to the recipe the OG should be 1.080 and FG should be 1.018. I don't know if that helps, seeing as I didn't follow the recipe exactly anyway (added the water)??

**david_42** · 12-29-2006, 12:00 AM

The amount of wort is one thing, but in all grain the amount of sugar you extract from the grain (efficiency) really matters the most. Without a gravity, it's a tough call.

Regardless of that, topping off to 5 gallons will give you a lower final ABV, than you would have had with 4.25.

HereFerbeer · 12-29-2006, 03:06 AM

Ok thanks guys, I guess this time out I'll just have to wait and try the final product and in the mean time work on getting some calculations for next round through.

**Orfy** · 12-29-2006, 09:01 AM

Most people top up before the boil but I'm sure the way you've done it would be fine. I think if I topped up in the fermenter I'd want to use preboiled or spring water.