Instead of buying a larger MLT (due to the usual constraints of cost, storage marital disputes over additional equipment purchases, etc) would it be possible to do the following in order to brew a high OG beer with only a 5gal cooler?:
-split a large grain bill into two parts
-mash one half in a 5gal MLT, sparge (limited or no infusions to limit diluting the wort)
-dump grain
-mash second half in the same manner
-combine to form a higher OG wort?
The issues I foresee are:
-calculating grain to water ratios needed to end up with correct combined OG
-lowering efficiency (dramatically?) since you are only taking first runnings
-compensating for lower efficiency = buying more grain which will eventually cost more than a 10gallon cooler?
Any thoughts?
Thanks
-ted
-split a large grain bill into two parts
-mash one half in a 5gal MLT, sparge (limited or no infusions to limit diluting the wort)
-dump grain
-mash second half in the same manner
-combine to form a higher OG wort?
The issues I foresee are:
-calculating grain to water ratios needed to end up with correct combined OG
-lowering efficiency (dramatically?) since you are only taking first runnings
-compensating for lower efficiency = buying more grain which will eventually cost more than a 10gallon cooler?
Any thoughts?
Thanks
-ted