kuips
Well-Known Member
to do half batches (2.5 gal) - is it as simple as dividing the 5 gal recipe in half?
Thanks
Thanks
i use 5 gallon carboys since the prices aren't much different than the 3 gallon carboys, this gives you a leg up if you decide to do full batches plus you never have to worry about clogging your airlocks.
I've recently started doing only 2.5 gallons batches as well. Cheaper, and gets more variety in my beers. Instead of having 50 bottles of one thing, id rather have 25 of two. This is especially nice on new beers that I am trying. I will still do a 5 gallon batch now and then on a proven and tested recipe that I like.
I have one 5 gal carboy that I am using to make full batches (and will continue to use it for this). Additionally, I wanted to start half batches to experiment more and try new things - so I guess just getting another 5 gal carboy makes sense.
yea northern brewer lists 3 gallon better bottles at 23.99, while the 5 gallon better bottle is listed at 22.99, so i would definitely go with the 5g
Here's some info I have put together before.
I use my normal 5 gallon mash tun for most of them, but I do a lot of Experiments, test recipes, or beers that I know I won't need/want more than a case of.
I sometimes use an unmodified 2 gallon cooler for a lot of my small btaches it holds up to 4 pounds of grain.
I just us a folding steamer in the bottom along with a grain bag. Just break off or unscrew the center post.
One of these, it helps to lift the grain bag above the spigot to keep the drainig from getting stuck.
I posted a lot of info in the mr beer thread that you may find helpful.
I posted some all grain small batchrecipes here, https://www.homebrewtalk.com/785533-post702.html
ANd a bit of a primer on AG with pics here https://www.homebrewtalk.com/738927-post659.html
But I mostly use my regular 5 gallon cooler mash tun which holds 14 pounds of grains...and 14 pounds of grain for a 2.5 gallon batch can be a mighty big beer.....
One of our memebers chubbykid had plans for a minikeg mashtun http://sites.google.com/site/chubbykidhomebrew/Home/equipment/mini-keg-lauter-tun
THe basic brewing radio guys are big fans of tiny batch brewing...3/4 gallon (1 6pack) in a 1 gallon winejug fermenter.
They demo the 6-pack IPA here
http://en.sevenload.com/shows/Basic...1-12-06-Basic-Brewing-Video-A-Six-Pack-of-IPA
and they also have done barleywines as well.
I ferment my 2.5 gallon batches in all manner of things, I have a 3 gallon better bottle, I also use 3 gallon water jugs, AND my old Mr Beer keg (it's perfect because you can even lager in your own fridge with it when you are starting out.)
You can even ferment a 2.5 gallon batch in a 5 gallon carboy if you want, though I would say a 6.5 gallon carboy is a little too much headspace for my confort.
Hope this helps....any more questions feel free to ask...
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