Half batch from kit?

DNW · 07-30-2009, 08:03 PM

I picked up an Ironmaster Porter kit the other day. I thought I remembered hearing that you needed two for a 5 gal batch, and since I had an empty 3 gal carboy it seemed an ideal opportunity to get my feet wet with a porter. Of course when I get home and read the directions I see that you're supposed to add 2# of sugar or DME to it and make a 5 gallon batch.

I thought about just doing it as a 2.5 gallon one anyways, but am concerned about it being overhopped, not to mention the OG will be a bit high. Any thoughts about whether I should try it or wait until I have a primary available?

TIA,

bsay · 08-02-2009, 03:50 PM

If you use it as-is, it would be over hopped and over "specialty grained" meaning that the chocolate malt, for example, is in the quantity for a 5gal patch. You could certainly try a 3gal batch and let us know how it turns out. Whatever it ends up as though, it won't be a true porter.

DNW · 08-03-2009, 12:10 AM

I came across a post by someone that used two cans of Ironmaster to make a 5 gallone batch so I went ahead and got it started. I boiled it with 1-1/2 gallons of water for a half hour, and then added (after cooling) enough water to bring the OG down to 1.056, which was just shy of three gallons. Its cooking right now, and I guess we'll see how it comes out....

cell · 08-03-2009, 03:50 AM

Quote:

I picked up an Ironmaster Porter kit the other day. I thought I remembered hearing that you needed two for a 5 gal batch, and since I had an empty 3 gal carboy it seemed an ideal opportunity to get my feet wet with a porter. Of course when I get home and read the directions I see that you're supposed to add 2# of sugar or DME to it and make a 5 gallon batch.

I'm reading right now Homebrewing for dummies, and this quote might interest you: "For full body and flavor, use two 3.3-pound cans to make one full batch
of beer (5 gallons)[..]" However, this is for pre-hopped malt extract, not beer kits. (lookslike there's a difference..)

DNW · 08-15-2009, 05:35 PM

Well, after two weeks (the instructions say one...), all activity seems to be stopped, and I'm at 1.024. Seems high, but I did start high too. It looks like 4.5% ABV. Do you think it's safe to assume it's done?

**david_42** · 08-15-2009, 09:53 PM

Yes. Extracts in 'add sugar' kits tend to have higher unfermentables. Normally, the added water and sugar would have dried it out.

DNW · 08-17-2009, 01:27 PM

That's what I suspected but thanks for the reply.

I now have it kegged and tried a sample after 24 hours and a lot of shaking. I'm actually pretty impressed!