Getting back to five gallons?

My first batch has just finished fermenting (going to let sit for another week or so) and I lost about a 1/2 a gallon through blow-off. I was wondering if I could use like a half gallon of water for my priming sugar come bottling time to get back closer to the 5 gallon mark? Would there be any ill affects to this?

 

I'd leave it alone and control the blow off next time. Consider the lost 1/2 gallon a tribute to the beer gods.

If you add water -- you'll alter the recipe's gravity and ofc, have watered down beer.

 

This. You can use tablets to control krausen, but a larger FV might be just the thing. That way no/less foam can get out.

 

But wouldn't my ABV be higher than intended right now since my recipe was based on 5 gallons?


So its more so a flavor issue i guess.

 

Not neccessarily, your ABV is based upon the contents of the whole bucket/carboy. You lost more than just water through the blow off. If you add water however, you will definitely be lowering the ABV and watering down the beer.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone... No extra water it is. All and all a 1/2 gallon lost isn't bad considering my total lack of experience at this point

 

You lost wort in the blow-off. You could bring it back up to 5 gallons, but that will lower the gravity and ABV a little, plus dilute the hop bitterness and flavor some as well. It could still be good, just a little weaker. Your call.

 

Same mistakes made my 1st time too. Next time plan ahead for boil off and Evap (about 15%?) and top off maybe an extra quart before pitching?

 

Get a 6.5 Gallon Carboy......probably won't lose as much next time.
(assuming your using a 5 gal)