1 gallon batches - tips?

[Javaslinger]

I'd like to do a little stove top experimentation with small batches to try different malts, etc. Using such a small amount though I'm wondering if there are 'best practices' to get the most out of it.

Thanks!

 

[ESBrewer]

Exactly what I'm doing at the moment (1.2-1.3 gal on a regular stovetop in a studio apartment). I think the bad thing with a small batch is that the losses during the process can be substantial (compared to standard batch size). Try to minimize the dead space in the mash tun and use refractometer to take gravity samples. Other than that, I think it's a nice way to brew. The benefits are

-less ingredients are needed for experimental brews
-even if you make more beers you're able to drink them
-takes less space and somewhat easier to control temperatures without fancy/expensive equipment

 

[Biscuits]

I used to do 1.5 gallon batches and to me they were fun but for the time invested and the overall cost, I think it's better to do atleast 2.5 gallon batches. I'd have to look back at my notes to give you real figures but to brew a 1.5 gallon batch, it might have been a few dollars less than doing a 3 gallon batch. And then, when you create an amazing recipe, you only have 10-12 beers and trying to scale it up isn't as straight forward when going from 1 to 5 gallons, IMO.

That being said, you get to brew more, play more, and have many different beers available...So, it's a toss up. I say go for it.

I made markings on my mash paddle since I was using the same pot we cooked our Sunday sauce in and it didn't have volume markers.

I also stuck to dry yeasts so that I could use half a pack and seal the remainder up for next time as yeast will be the most costly part of small batches if you're buying fresh yeast each time.

If will try to think of other tips that were helpful to me.

 

[Kent88]

I used to make 1-gallon batches. I've since moved to mostly 3-gallon batches and I'm much happier with it.

For 1-gallon batches, I'd advise that you plan to have a final volume of 1.25 gallons when you are plugging things into your brewing software. I know that trub is good yeast food and all that, but a little bit of trub really cuts into the number of bottles you can get from it. Add some yeast nutrient if you have some (not that you absolutely need it, I just like to) and leave as much trub behind as possible.