1-Gallon Brewers UNITE!

[ChocolateMaltyBalls]

CDN thermometer, cheap, accurate, tuff.

 

[Sharkbrewingco]

Thanks for the replies. Next questions. Hope they are not earlier in this post. Do you use a kettle or cooler as your mash tun? If cooler, do you use a false bottom, SS braid or copper? What size mash tun do you use? I use a 2 gallon cooler with a bazooka. I am thinking about changing that out to see if I can increase my efficiency. I am getting between 70-72% depending upon what I am brewing.

 

[Aristotelian]

Thanks for the replies. Next questions. Hope they are not earlier in this post. Do you use a kettle or cooler as your mash tun? If cooler, do you use a false bottom, SS braid or copper? What size mash tun do you use? I use a 2 gallon cooler with a bazooka. I am thinking about changing that out to see if I can increase my efficiency. I am getting between 70-72% depending upon what I am brewing.

I just do it in the kettle (16 Qt) using a pillow case for grain bag.

68%, no sparge. I have no desire to increase my efficiency. For a 1G batch I figure I am losing about 4 cents worth of grain. That is fine with me to have one less vessel to clean and one less step in my process.

 

[fuzzy2133]

I just do it in the kettle (16 Qt) using a pillow case for grain bag.

68%, no sparge. I have no desire to increase my efficiency. For a 1G batch I figure I am losing about 4 cents worth of grain. That is fine with me to have one less vessel to clean and one less step in my process.

Um pillow case!? A paint strainer bag would have been cheaper. And yes I would like to see a picture of that.

OT: I BIAB and stick it in the oven until it is time for the boil. Others wrap the kettle with blankets or sweaters.

 

[Aristotelian]

Um pillow case!? A paint strainer bag would have been cheaper. And yes I would like to see a picture of that.

OT: I BIAB and stick it in the oven until it is time for the boil. Others wrap the kettle with blankets or sweaters.

I will take a picture the next time I brew. The paint bags looked too big for 1-gallon batches, and I had a white pillow case lying around that went with an old pair of sheets that we never use.

 

[ericbw]

Thanks for the replies. Next questions. Hope they are not earlier in this post. Do you use a kettle or cooler as your mash tun? If cooler, do you use a false bottom, SS braid or copper? What size mash tun do you use? I use a 2 gallon cooler with a bazooka. I am thinking about changing that out to see if I can increase my efficiency. I am getting between 70-72% depending upon what I am brewing.

I use a strainer bag for 1 gallons (BIAB), but would love to have a baby mash tun like that. I have a 5 gallon cooler mash tun for larger batches.

 

[ChocolateMaltyBalls]

I'd go BIAB for anything less than 2.5 gal, I don't think you gain anything with an extra vessel with that small a volume.

 

[Opiate42]

Thanks for the replies. Next questions. Hope they are not earlier in this post. Do you use a kettle or cooler as your mash tun? If cooler, do you use a false bottom, SS braid or copper? What size mash tun do you use? I use a 2 gallon cooler with a bazooka. I am thinking about changing that out to see if I can increase my efficiency. I am getting between 70-72% depending upon what I am brewing.

I just use a 4qt pot with a nice heavy glass lid. Not perfect but works.

Have been thinking of modifying a 2 gallon cooler jug for a small batch mash tun but haven't gotten around to it yet, and I'm not that handy, afraid I'll screw up the modifications so bad It'll make the cooler useless. :smack:

That and I'm fidgety in my mashing stage, constantly checking temps, a mash tun takes that away and I don't know if my nerves can handle that

 

[ericbw]

I just use a 4qt pot with a nice heavy glass lid. Not perfect but works.

Have been thinking of modifying a 2 gallon cooler jug for a small batch mash tun but haven't gotten around to it yet, and I'm not that handy, afraid I'll screw up the modifications so bad It'll make the cooler useless. :smack:

That and I'm fidgety in my mashing stage, constantly checking temps, a mash tun takes that away and I don't know if my nerves can handle that

If you have a paint strainer bag, just fit it inside the cooler, then lift to drain.

If you get the right parts, it is very easy to swap out the spigot. Just make sure to avoid zinc parts on the inside (washers, nut, couplers, etc.). It can be hard to find those parts that aren't zinc.

It's VERY easy - even I can do it!

 

[MadHomebrewer]

I just use a 4qt pot with a nice heavy glass lid. Not perfect but works.



Have been thinking of modifying a 2 gallon cooler jug for a small batch mash tun but haven't gotten around to it yet, and I'm not that handy, afraid I'll screw up the modifications so bad It'll make the cooler useless. :smack:



That and I'm fidgety in my mashing stage, constantly checking temps, a mash tun takes that away and I don't know if my nerves can handle that

I actually made one and found it to be a waist of money. With a batch his small it is hard to keep the temperature stable. I have gone back to using paint strainer bags for biab. Found it easier to maintain temperature on the stove top.
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1446551580.701636.jpg

 

[ericbw]

I actually made one and found it to be a waist of money. With a batch his small it is hard to keep the temperature stable. I have gone back to using paint strainer bags for biab. Found it easier to maintain temperature on the stove top.
View attachment 313613

How full is the mash tun for a 1 gallon? Even 2 gallons is pretty big I guess. Has anyone tried mashing in 64 oz insulated travel mug? (That's a joke.)

 

[MadHomebrewer]

How full is the mash tun for a 1 gallon? Even 2 gallons is pretty big I guess. Has anyone tried mashing in 64 oz insulated travel mug? (That's a joke.)

It's a 2 gallon cooler.

Pic mashing a one gallon batch.
.View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1446582963.743689.jpg

 

[Toastiebeads]

Hello all! first time posting, long time lurking (I'm almost done reading all 550+ pages in this thread!). I'm a beginner AG 1 gallon brewer, with a few 5 gallon partial mash and K&K kits under my belt.

I made a 1 gallon AG stout last night and ran into an issue. I didn't have the correct hops on hand to properly bitter it, and it seems like I've made a sugary syrup versus delicious wort. I found a quick sub (put in Tettnanger at 2.4%(ish, can't remember the exact number right now) and didn't realize the original bittering hops called for 5.5%). I pitched in 1/2 a pack of US-04, and am hoping it won't be completely terrible... have I screwed it up? how do you all think it'll turn out? This is honestly the first time that anything has gone screwy in 12+ batches, so I guess I was due for a screw up!

 

[fuzzy2133]

You are good! It will just be more malty and its a stout so you may not even notice.

 

[Aristotelian]

Hello all! first time posting, long time lurking (I'm almost done reading all 550+ pages in this thread!). I'm a beginner AG 1 gallon brewer, with a few 5 gallon partial mash and K&K kits under my belt.

I made a 1 gallon AG stout last night and ran into an issue. I didn't have the correct hops on hand to properly bitter it, and it seems like I've made a sugary syrup versus delicious wort. I found a quick sub (put in Tettnanger at 2.4%(ish, can't remember the exact number right now) and didn't realize the original bittering hops called for 5.5%). I pitched in 1/2 a pack of US-04, and am hoping it won't be completely terrible... have I screwed it up? how do you all think it'll turn out? This is honestly the first time that anything has gone screwy in 12+ batches, so I guess I was due for a screw up!

Should be fine. Stouts in the English style aren't going to be heavily hopped. In the future you can use Brewsmith to figure out how to adjust with a milder hop. The yeast should take care of the sweetness by turning 80% of the sugar into alcohol.

 

[mirogster]

Just make a 'hop tea' - boil some hops for abt 15-30 min in half pint of water or so. Strain and add 'the good stuff' to the fermentor.
It could be done after few days or by the end of fermentation, tho. Brewing is like a cooking. Just let your taste be a guide

 

[Toastiebeads]

thanks all for the reassurance that I haven't screwed it up! I'm just going to let this one ride - what is the saying after all.... RDWHAHB?

I have big plans for this weekend - I have an English Pale Ale kit from my local shop that I'm going to brew up, then bottling begins... Pecan Pie Brown Ale, the Great Pumpkin Ale (both from Brew Better Beer by Emma Christensen - if you haven't seen it, go get it. the 1 gallon brews are amazing) then I may bottle up 5 gallons of whatever K&K monstrosity is sitting in my carboy. pretty sure that one is going to be what we drink after drinking a few of the better beers... lol

Has anyone had any luck doing a 1 gallon OktoberFAST without any sort of lagering capabilities? I live in a small condo, and temps are usually pretty steady at 68-70F for most of my brews. The DH loves Samuel Adams Oktoberfest, and I was hoping that I could have something similar made up for him.

 

[ericbw]

thanks all for the reassurance that I haven't screwed it up! I'm just going to let this one ride - what is the saying after all.... RDWHAHB?

I have big plans for this weekend - I have an English Pale Ale kit from my local shop that I'm going to brew up, then bottling begins... Pecan Pie Brown Ale, the Great Pumpkin Ale (both from Brew Better Beer by Emma Christensen - if you haven't seen it, go get it. the 1 gallon brews are amazing) then I may bottle up 5 gallons of whatever K&K monstrosity is sitting in my carboy. pretty sure that one is going to be what we drink after drinking a few of the better beers... lol

Has anyone had any luck doing a 1 gallon OktoberFAST without any sort of lagering capabilities? I live in a small condo, and temps are usually pretty steady at 68-70F for most of my brews. The DH loves Samuel Adams Oktoberfest, and I was hoping that I could have something similar made up for him.

With 1 gallon batch, hopefully you could find a way to sort of lager it. Swamp cooler, ice bath, especially outside (covered from light).

 

[ericbw]

thanks all for the reassurance that I haven't screwed it up! I'm just going to let this one ride - what is the saying after all.... RDWHAHB?

I have big plans for this weekend - I have an English Pale Ale kit from my local shop that I'm going to brew up, then bottling begins... Pecan Pie Brown Ale, the Great Pumpkin Ale (both from Brew Better Beer by Emma Christensen - if you haven't seen it, go get it. the 1 gallon brews are amazing) then I may bottle up 5 gallons of whatever K&K monstrosity is sitting in my carboy. pretty sure that one is going to be what we drink after drinking a few of the better beers... lol

Has anyone had any luck doing a 1 gallon OktoberFAST without any sort of lagering capabilities? I live in a small condo, and temps are usually pretty steady at 68-70F for most of my brews. The DH loves Samuel Adams Oktoberfest, and I was hoping that I could have something similar made up for him.

Also note that OktoberFAST is an ale with S-04 yeast. That one needs to be kept under 68 or so, otherwise it does give some strong aromas/flavors (that I don't like). You could switch to US-05, which (I think) is more tolerant if the temp goes over 68-70. I think that recipe uses S-04 because it clears hard and fast. US-05 might be a little slower to clear.

 

[Opiate42]

Has anyone tried mashing in 64 oz insulated travel mug? (That's a joke.)

Are you sure?

Now I want to try that. Any excuse to buy a big ass Bubba mug.

Big question of the day: I've only ever used a 3 piece airlock on my carboys, anyone use the S-type and have a preference? I don't own an S-type so have no idea what different it makes if any.

 

[burninator]

Are you sure?

Now I want to try that. Any excuse to buy a big ass Bubba mug.

Big question of the day: I've only ever used a 3 piece airlock on my carboys, anyone use the S-type and have a preference? I don't own an S-type so have no idea what different it makes if any.

Since I brew small batches primarily due to space constraints, I prefer the 3-piece, since they're shorter and more narrow.

 

[EJay]

S-types don't suck the liquid in when you cold crash, which is a problem I get sometimes with the 3-piece.

 

[Toastiebeads]

s-types tend to be way more difficult to clean versus the 3-piece. If you have an accidental blow-up situation with vigorous fermentation and an s-type, they're a royal pain to get all the crud out.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Hey guys, been doing small batches lately, .75-1.5G batches, after I moved to chicago and left the majority of my equipment back home.

Putting together a list of pros, cons, tips, and tricks for small batch brewing. Before finalizing and posting the completed list I'd like to get your feedback.

Google Doc link

 

[phug]

Reduce cost of failure

 

[Opiate42]

Thanks for the thoughts on the airlocks guys, might just stick with the 3piece for now as I don't yet have a system to cold crash and we put the jugs in a closet shelving unit. The lower headroom wins out.

I generally use a larger 3/8 tube blowoff for initial fermentation so getting muck in an airlock hasn't happened to me since my first few batches

Putting together a list of pros, cons, tips, and tricks for small batch brewing. Before finalizing and posting the completed list I'd like to get your feedback.

*skims google doc*:::
Don’t forget your towel. ~

:rockin:

Don't ask me how but wherever however and whenever a Guide reference happens, I will find it.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Thanks for reading @Opiate42 , @phug, @chunkwagon and @fuzzy2133

Anything else to add, if not I'll be posting the article over at brewunited, and on my blog tomorrow with some images and links.

 

[fuzzy2133]

@pricelessbrewing
This caught my eyes reading through the second time "Hop additions become tricky; you’ll want a high precision scale for measuring it out. Recommended precision being 0.01g, ~$10."
Optional item, not really a requirement for 1 gal brewing.

Example; our kitchen scale (used for the first 2 years of brewing both 5 and 1 gallon) had "0.01g accuracy" but it would read at 0.05g increments! Some batches the bittering addition was at 47 min, other batches were a 65min addition and boil time. Simple fix once you break out of using the generic brewing instructions and do a little math.

 

[ericbw]

Hey guys, been doing small batches lately, .75-1.5G batches, after I moved to chicago and left the majority of my equipment back home.

Putting together a list of pros, cons, tips, and tricks for small batch brewing. Before finalizing and posting the completed list I'd like to get your feedback.

Google Doc link

It's a good conversation topic, makes you look cool at parties, more chances to buy cool equipment.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

@pricelessbrewing
This caught my eyes reading through the second time "Hop additions become tricky; you’ll want a high precision scale for measuring it out. Recommended precision being 0.01g, ~$10."
Optional item, not really a requirement for 1 gal brewing.

Example; our kitchen scale (used for the first 2 years of brewing both 5 and 1 gallon) had "0.01g accuracy" but it would read at 0.05g increments! Some batches the bittering addition was at 47 min, other batches were a 65min addition and boil time. Simple fix once you break out of using the generic brewing instructions and do a little math.

That would mean it has 0.01g precision, but 0.05g accuracy. Mine has 0.01g both, and I feel it's invaluable for consistency. My other scale is 0.1g for both precision, and accuracy and it was all but worthless. I was usually better off "counting pellets" which has a huge variation in it as well.

I understand your point though, but if you adjust the boil time you kinda have to need to know the original weight of hops, and the new weight of hops, if you only know the weight of the hops to +- 30%, then adjusting the boil time won't really help your consistency. Either way, it's still going to be to style and will likely result in tasty beer in any case as long as the hop bill is decent, but I like more consistency than that would provide.

Appreciate the input!