1st Brew! Irish Red

[Brewjangle]

Does that hold true even if it's only a 5 gal batch but the Carboy is 6.5 gal?

 

[RedlegEd]

Brewjangle, home brewing is all about learning, trying, and refining your process. Let me offer another really valuable resource. Brulosophy.com is a great site that backs up theory and/or conjecture with Exbeeriments (mispelling intended.) Read this to give yourself a better understanding of the impact of primary vs secondary.

 

[applescrap]

Hey Brewjangle. Let me also add my welcome to the other well-wishers.

Congrats on your first brew. Nicely done.

Couple of small pointers should you be interested

Steeping: Temperature is not critical. Bag the grains, throw them in and remove after 30 mins or 170F is reached as you're heating, whichever comes first.

Squeeze the bag if you want. Fear not. Tannins are not extractable via pressure. 170+F and 6.0+pH are both needed (not applicable here)

Secondary: If you want to use one, fill it all the way to the neck. That's why they are usually size-matched to the planned batch volume. Think of it just like a giant beer bottle. You wouldn't under-fill a beer bottle, nor should you under-fill a secondary vessel.

In short: Sounds like a very successful first brew. Congratulations. be sure to post a pic of that memorable first delicious pour of homebrew. A feeling that never really gets old. Cheers

I trust his advice.....except for when im being a jerk....Sorry gavin

View attachment 1446958157011.jpg

 

[Gavin C]

Does that hold true even if it's only a 5 gal batch but the Carboy is 6.5 gal?

Yes. That size vessel is ill-suited as a secondary vessel for a 5 gallon batch.

Correctly filled Secondary Vessels

 

[Brewjangle]

Brewjangle, home brewing is all about learning, trying, and refining your process. Let me offer another really valuable resource. Brulosophy.com is a great site that backs up theory and/or conjecture with Exbeeriments (mispelling intended.) Read this to give yourself a better understanding of the impact of primary vs secondary.

Hi RedLegEd,
I found his blog a couple of weeks ago and have read a few articles, but I had not come across the one you referred. Thanks! That was a great exBEERiment on the use of secondaries! Greatly appreciate you passing that on! I think I have spend the better part of 6 hours reading through his posts so far!

 

[Brewjangle]

Yes. That size vessel is ill-suited as a secondary vessel for a 5 gallon batch.



Correctly filled Secondary Vessels

Ah, guess I will need to add a couple of items to the wish list. Prior to this brew I have only made wine so I just went with what I have on hand. Thanks!

 

[Gavin C]

Ah, guess I will need to add a couple of items to the wish list. Prior to this brew I have only made wine so I just went with what I have on hand. Thanks!

No worries. There is of course the other way, free and simple, to prevent too much head-space in a secondary vessel.

 

[Brewjangle]

No worries. There is of course the other way, free and simple, to prevent too much head-space in a secondary vessel.

Brew a bigger volume!?[emoji481]

 

[Gavin C]

Brew a bigger volume!?[emoji481]

LOL. That'll work just as well as what I was thinking; no secondary. That horse is well and truly beaten here on HBT