1 Gallon Test Batches

[Jud]

Ok so I got this idea of doing 1 gallon test batches. I have some free time while at work so I went to the recycling center and picked up some 1 gallon Gallo wine bottles to use as fermentors. I am all grain brewing using brew in a bag on the stove top. It has really been a fun way to play with recipes and cheap! You get a 6 pack out of it. I have noticed that fermentation is really fast. So far I have brewed a Barley Wine and American Pale Ale 4 days ago and krausen has already fell out. I will pull an FG sample in one more day. Fermentation is at 65 degrees but I have noticed that the one gallon batches have tended to ferment rather fast. Anyone have any input on this? Is it just a good supply of health yeast reharvested?

 

[hotbrew]

If you're using a liquid yeast packet to pitch then I would imagine it's very fast fermentation since it's less sugars for the yeast to work through than a traditional 5 gal batch. It may still take a day or two for fermentation to begin though. The 48-72 hour delay in fermentation for a 5 gal batch is usually when the yeast is budding (having sexy time) and reproducing. From my understanding, yeast is either reproducing or eating. If the yeast population is at an adequate enough level to eat through all the sugars then fermentation should be completed in just a few days.

 

[pericles]

My complaint about 1 gallon batches is that it takes just as much time to brew one gallon as it does to brew five. Or ten. When I do do experimental batches like that, I usually make a single Pale Ale beer, and then split it into a couple of smaller batches to add fruit or spices during secondary.