Long boils... how long is too long?

On my first big RIS, I found I really could have used a larger boil kettle. I could have collected more wort for either longer boils, or enough for a reasonable porter.

My question is: If I had a larger boil kettle, would boiling for 90-minutes, or even 2 hours, cause any beer quality issues?

I realize the hop schedule would be shifted, but worry about possible side-effects from long boils.

Thanks!
Eric

Some beers like RIS and Barleywines boil for hours. No bad effects at all. In fact, some people say 90 min boils are a benefit

As long as you account for the increased hop utilization, and boiloff, there shouldn't be any harmful side effects.

90 min...all the time. Been doing it for almost 20 years.

I've done 2 hours on some strong beers. I wouldn't try it on something I wanted to keep a very light color, like a trippel, but Barleywines and RIS, go ahead.

Brewsmith said:

I've done 2 hours on some strong beers. I wouldn't try it on something I wanted to keep a very light color, like a trippel, but Barleywines and RIS, go ahead.

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Yep, if your pilsner starts to look like a schwartzbier, then you probably boiled it too long

I always boil for 90 minutes but don't usually start my hop additions until 30 minutes into the boil. This has been working out real well for me.

foppa78 said:

I always boil for 90 minutes but don't usually start my hop additions until 30 minutes into the boil. This has been working out real well for me.

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Aside from the occasional first wort or mash hopping, I do the same thing.

With my first AG batch yesterday I boiled it for a little more than an hour, and that wasn't enough. Still had a raw grain flavor. Should have done it for 2.

I boil most things for 60, anything with pils malt in it for 90. I just did a scottish ale that I let boil for 100 minutes. No ill effects whatsoever!

foppa78 said:

I always boil for 90 minutes but don't usually start my hop additions until 30 minutes into the boil. This has been working out real well for me.

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Me too! Glad to know I was doing it "right."

Usualy I boil 100', first hop addition after 10' of boil.
What's important: too much heat is potentialy harmful, if your evaporation rate gets over ~15%/hour, try to boil less vigorously.

Thanks for all the input. Looks like I will either go with a 2-hour boil, taking into account hops utilization, or make two beers: Another RIS and a nice roasty porter!

Eric

r2eng said:

Thanks for all the input. Looks like I will either go with a 2-hour boil, taking into account hops utilization, or make two beers: Another RIS and a nice roasty porter!

Eric

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Glad to be of help! If it gets to thick you can always add some water.