Homebrew Chiller Debacle

[Redhawk]

While brewing a strong ale which was pegged to be at 9-10% abv, my immersion chiller had a leak and pumped 1.5 gal. back into the wort. I am boiling down a small batch of wort to try to salvage the brew. Any suggestions?

 

[Kahler]

Id boil the whole thing for sanitation purposes and to reduce it to original volume.
I think no matter what the flavor will be compromised.

 

[Brulosopher]

I bet you could pitch your yeast and be totally fine. ABV might be a tad lower, but who cares?

 

[Redhawk]

Thanks for reminding me that beer is still beer... I got caught up in the thrill of brewing a high ABV beer...

 

[Brulosopher]

Thanks for reminding me that beer is still beer... I got caught up in the thrill of brewing a high ABV beer...

Ah, you'll still be around 8% or higher... my guess. That's not bad! Ferment 2F warmer than intended and you're all good

 

[ktblunden]

That's been my biggest fear using an immersion chiller.

 

[Redhawk]

ktblunden:
Mine is homemade; make sure you tighten the screws before use; I will never forget to check and make sure it is tight again. cost be about 3% off my target ABV. Meh...beer is beer and it will be drunk.

 

[rhamilton]

That's been my biggest fear using an immersion chiller.

make you copper long enough and keep you connections out of the pot

 

[passedpawn]

make you copper long enough and keep you connections out of the pot

This.

 

[motobrewer]

also, how did 1.5 gallons get in before you realized what was going on?

 

[Redhawk]

You ever drink while brewing? Ever throw friends into that mix? Ever watch Lefty come back and put things into sudden death with a birdie on the 18th? That's how.

 

[motobrewer]

lol, fair enough. but, i usually don't drink no brewday, for that and other reasons.