I just finished up my first batch ever, an Irish Red Ale from Northern Brewer. I gave away about half of it, but 25 bottles of one style of brew will still keep me busy for a while. I'm looking for a way to turn my next brew into a number of different tastes. I came up with an idea and wanted to run it by some more experienced brewers to get their thoughts on its feasibility and some tips on equipment, process, etc.
My plan would be to make a stout (unsure of what style would be best for my purpose), but to make a full 5 gallon batch. I'd like to split the batch into 3 or more small volumes to try different flavors. A couple that have caught my eye are a Vanilla Bourbon, Peppermint, and Coconut.
What would be the best way to accomplish this? I'm thinking of a split of something like 3 gal of Vanilla Bourbon, 1 gal of Peppermint, and 1 gal of Coconut.
I currently have a 6.5 gal fermenter bucket, a 6 gal better bottle, and my bottling bucket for equipment. I have no idea what would be the best way to split it all up and what would be the most economical option for adding the other equipment I might need.
Would it make sense to keep it all together for primary or do the split right away? Could I use the 6 gal better bottle for the 3 gal of Vanilla Bourbon? I could also pick up 3 of the 2 gal Mr. Beer fermenters from a friend for a good price if those would work. Is there an easy way to open those up to add the flavorings, etc.?
Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.
My plan would be to make a stout (unsure of what style would be best for my purpose), but to make a full 5 gallon batch. I'd like to split the batch into 3 or more small volumes to try different flavors. A couple that have caught my eye are a Vanilla Bourbon, Peppermint, and Coconut.
What would be the best way to accomplish this? I'm thinking of a split of something like 3 gal of Vanilla Bourbon, 1 gal of Peppermint, and 1 gal of Coconut.
I currently have a 6.5 gal fermenter bucket, a 6 gal better bottle, and my bottling bucket for equipment. I have no idea what would be the best way to split it all up and what would be the most economical option for adding the other equipment I might need.
Would it make sense to keep it all together for primary or do the split right away? Could I use the 6 gal better bottle for the 3 gal of Vanilla Bourbon? I could also pick up 3 of the 2 gal Mr. Beer fermenters from a friend for a good price if those would work. Is there an easy way to open those up to add the flavorings, etc.?
Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.