2 gallon batches

[chickypad]

Yeah that design seems a bit odd. I don't understand why they would make a conical without a bottom dump valve, seems to defeat the main purpose.

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[beerlover87]

Well they say there is enough room to where the trub shouldn't rise to the tap but we will see

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[Randolf]

I do almost all 2/2.5 gal. batches. I have 8 small Mr. Beer and Brew Demon fermenters and try to have at least 3 going at all times. I usually brew 2 batches in one day and one on another day. For choice,you can't beat it. I get a 3.3 lb.Munton's LME ,an oz. of hops,and some yeast and let her rip. I like having a wide variety of types of beer. Also smaller batches take less time to bottle. It's all good though,however you do it,it sure is fun when you crack one open at first pour,and enjoy the fruits of your labors

 

[beerlover87]

I like the idea of small batches I also want to have more than one small fermentor in the future as soon as mine gets here demon brew sent my whole kit ..... But forgot to put my fermentor in they are makin it right tho I asked for a bubbler upgrade and they are hooking me up with that for the mistake

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[Oginme]

Kinda disappointed to hear about the trub coming up that was one of the reasons I was sold on the conical design. Hopefully mine stays towards the bottom

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I have a funnel with a screen mesh filter to help keep some of the larger particles and hops out of the fermentor. The other trick I use is that I gear my brewing for 11.5 liters of wort and transfer around 10 (Ok sometimes up to 11 liters on low hopped beers) into the fermentor, leaving a lot of the trub behind in the boil kettle. My trub is rarely above 0.8 liters.

Edited: spelling from typing too fast...

 

[Weezy]

One thing that is great about 2 gallon batches is that 3.3lb LME cans and 3 lb DME bags are the perfect base for a batch for that size. I do a few quick beers that I and others enjoy.

 

[beerlover87]

One thing that is great about 2 gallon batches is that 3.3lb LME cans and 3 lb DME bags are the perfect base for a batch for that size. I do a few quick beers that I and others enjoy.

Two gallon batches seem perfect. After you finish off a a batch of one you can start a batch of something new. Keep a variety around.

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[beerlover87]

Well my conical fermentor and bubbler upgrade is gonna be here today finally .... Been waiting it seems like forever so I get to start my very first batch ever today hope all goes well !!!

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[bstacy1974]

Well my conical fermentor and bubbler upgrade is gonna be here today finally .... Been waiting it seems like forever so I get to start my very first batch ever today hope all goes well !!!

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Pictures, please. I'd like to see this little fermenter in action. You got me wanting one for my small batches.

 

[beerlover87]

Pictures, please. I'd like to see this little fermenter in action. You got me wanting one for my small batches.

No problem I will post pictures on this thread. I will be more than happy to do so may be tomorrow before I get them up or late tonight, I will have to brew after the little ones are in bed so I can concentrate lol this is gonna be my first home brew so I really don't want to make any mistakes


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[beerlover87]

Here it is just waiting on kids to go to bed and get brewing

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[Randolf]

I have 2 of the B/D conicals. I've used them twice. I didn't get the bubbler add-ons,but bought 2x #2 rubber stoppers to allow the airlocks to fit. They did not fit. They had to be pushed way down into the hole and still didn't fit tight. On both batches the airlocks never bubbled once. The beer fermented ok,but it never showed in the airlock,so the 2nd time,I just replaced the little red plug and it worked out fine. The only real problem I had was that the trub,which was below the spigot,had become so compacted that it was hard for my garden hose to loosen it,and that was after only 3 weeks. I've since went back to the LBK and have been using them instead.I agree,the B/D should have a trub dump in the bottom.

 

[beerlover87]

I have 2 of the B/D conicals. I've used them twice. I didn't get the bubbler add-ons,but bought 2x #2 rubber stoppers to allow the airlocks to fit. They did not fit. They had to be pushed way down into the hole and still didn't fit tight. On both batches the airlocks never bubbled once. The beer fermented ok,but it never showed in the airlock,so the 2nd time,I just replaced the little red plug and it worked out fine. The only real problem I had was that the trub,which was below the spigot,had become so compacted that it was hard for my garden hose to loosen it,and that was after only 3 weeks. I've since went back to the LBK and have been using them instead.I agree,the B/D should have a trub dump in the bottom.

I am gonna try for the 7 days of fermenting like the kit that it came with says it is my first brew but I bought a hydrometer and test tube and will hopefully get everything will go well and the trub won't give me the same problem that's my main concern they should have a dump valve I agree would make it much easier. But we will see how she works here soon makes me want to put my kids to bed at 6:30 lol but I can't ..... Damn it guess I will just be patient.

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[beerlover87]

Pictures, please. I'd like to see this little fermenter in action. You got me wanting one for my small batches.

Well hope it worked I pitched my yeast at 75 degrees everything looks smells good just got my fingers crossed I put vodka in my bubbler see how she works


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[beerlover87]

Nothing in the bubbler yet some foam on the top not a lot tho but more than last night. It's at 72 right now is this normal its been over twelve hours I wanna see some action !

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[beerlover87]

Any advice ? Good, bad , this is my first brew feedback plz

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[bstacy1974]

Normal. Fermentation can take up to 24 hours to show activity in the air lock. Relax. A watched pot never boils.

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[beerlover87]

Yea It's just my first batch and I am antsy lol everything looks ok like I said there is some foam on top not a lot but there is some change so hoping it all goes well

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[bgm1961]

Getting back to the OP's original question (I just found this thread), I totally agree. I've since gone to 1 and 2 gal batches. If I've really nailed a beer, then perhaps a 3 gal batch. I wish I never bought my 5 gal equipment.

Why?

I don't know, maybe I'm anti-social, but I simply don't have THAT many friends to help me consume 600 beers every year.

I mean, with the thousands of recipes and styles there are to explore, how can you NOT brew at least one batch per month? (Time permitting). So this is where I simply DO NOT get why a 5 gallon batch is so popular!

Twelve 5 gal batches per year = 600 beers (at least). That's 12 beers per week. Maybe this is where my problem lays- I drink less than that. There, I SAID IT! Personally, if I drink more than 4-5 beers per week, I definitely put on the weight. I've already proven that! So what to do with the other 7 beers?

Yeah of course I've got friends to share with, but they're sort of like me, and can't handle being given beers every week from me and their other friends (and that's when my beers are worth sharing), plus...

I haven't even mentioned that (I assume) we all consume beers other than our own product! Don't tell me you go down the craft beer isle lately (that has thankfully been expanding) without grabbing this and grabbing that. Plus we all have fellow brewers that give US their brew. All those extra bottles ALSO eat into my weekly consumption "quota"!

So Again, I'm mystified at what everyone else does with the massive quantity of beer produced by multiple 5 gallon batches (i.e., 10-12 batches a year). And if brewing less, then why? I mean, as I mentioned earlier, there are so many recipes and own creations to try, why brew so few batches (unless of course time available for brewing is a factor in your life - I can see that).

So yes, I'm a huge proponent of small batches. I usually brew 1 gal batches, till I find one I really like, then will step-up the size next time. Or if I really expect I'll like a batch, I'll pull out my trusty Mr. beer 2 gal fermenter!

As such, I really appreciate the "Scale Recipe Size" function in the BeerSmith software - it's been a huge benefit for me.

 

[bstacy1974]

Getting back to the OP's original question (I just found this thread), I totally agree. I've since gone to 1 and 2 gal batches. If I've really nailed a beer, then perhaps a 3 gal batch. I wish I never bought my 5 gal equipment.

Why?

I don't know, maybe I'm anti-social, but I simply don't have THAT many friends to help me consume 600 beers every year.

I mean, with the thousands of recipes and styles there are to explore, how can you NOT brew at least one batch per month? (Time permitting). So this is where I simply DO NOT get why a 5 gallon batch is so popular!

Twelve 5 gal batches per year = 600 beers (at least). That's 12 beers per week. Maybe this is where my problem lays- I drink less than that. There, I SAID IT! Personally, if I drink more than 4-5 beers per week, I definitely put on the weight. I've already proven that! So what to do with the other 7 beers?

Yeah of course I've got friends to share with, but they're sort of like me, and can't handle being given beers every week from me and their other friends (and that's when my beers are worth sharing), plus...

I haven't even mentioned that (I assume) we all consume beers other than our own product! Don't tell me you go down the craft beer isle lately (that has thankfully been expanding) without grabbing this and grabbing that. Plus we all have fellow brewers that give US their brew. All those extra bottles ALSO eat into my weekly consumption "quota"!

So Again, I'm mystified at what everyone else does with the massive quantity of beer produced by multiple 5 gallon batches (i.e., 10-12 batches a year). And if brewing less, then why? I mean, as I mentioned earlier, there are so many recipes and own creations to try, why brew so few batches (unless of course time available for brewing is a factor in your life - I can see that).

So yes, I'm a huge proponent of small batches. I usually brew 1 gal batches, till I find one I really like, then will step-up the size next time. Or if I really expect I'll like a batch, I'll pull out my trusty Mr. beer 2 gal fermenter!

As such, I really appreciate the "Scale Recipe Size" function in the BeerSmith software - it's been a huge benefit for me.

Totally agree. (Really wish the HBT app had a like button.) I also wish I would have started with smaller batches. I have my "house" beers that I and some of my friends really enjoy, but there are many styles out there I've never tried. I don't want to waste time, and especially money, on a big batch of beer if I'm not going to drink it. Plus, reading through the unnecessary brewing practices thread, I may cut down my mash times and cleaning schedule for bottles. (Clean bottles immediately after use and store. Bottling day, rinse out dust and sanitize.) A 45 minute mash on a small grain bill using BIAB may be plenty of time for conversion.

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[sumbrewindude]

Getting back to the OP's original question (I just found this thread), I totally agree. I've since gone to 1 and 2 gal batches. If I've really nailed a beer, then perhaps a 3 gal batch. I wish I never bought my 5 gal equipment.

Why?

I don't know, maybe I'm anti-social, but I simply don't have THAT many friends to help me consume 600 beers every year.

I mean, with the thousands of recipes and styles there are to explore, how can you NOT brew at least one batch per month? (Time permitting). So this is where I simply DO NOT get why a 5 gallon batch is so popular!

Twelve 5 gal batches per year = 600 beers (at least). That's 12 beers per week. Maybe this is where my problem lays- I drink less than that. There, I SAID IT! Personally, if I drink more than 4-5 beers per week, I definitely put on the weight. I've already proven that! So what to do with the other 7 beers?

Yeah of course I've got friends to share with, but they're sort of like me, and can't handle being given beers every week from me and their other friends (and that's when my beers are worth sharing), plus...

I haven't even mentioned that (I assume) we all consume beers other than our own product! Don't tell me you go down the craft beer isle lately (that has thankfully been expanding) without grabbing this and grabbing that. Plus we all have fellow brewers that give US their brew. All those extra bottles ALSO eat into my weekly consumption "quota"!

So Again, I'm mystified at what everyone else does with the massive quantity of beer produced by multiple 5 gallon batches (i.e., 10-12 batches a year). And if brewing less, then why? I mean, as I mentioned earlier, there are so many recipes and own creations to try, why brew so few batches (unless of course time available for brewing is a factor in your life - I can see that).

So yes, I'm a huge proponent of small batches. I usually brew 1 gal batches, till I find one I really like, then will step-up the size next time. Or if I really expect I'll like a batch, I'll pull out my trusty Mr. beer 2 gal fermenter!

As such, I really appreciate the "Scale Recipe Size" function in the BeerSmith software - it's been a huge benefit for me.

You're not alone brother!

The way I think of it, some folks like spagetti. My SWMBO is one of them, she'd eat it every night if she could get away with it. Almost always the same sauce, almost always the same noodles - but it's still spagetti in my book. I on the other hand will eat anything under the sun - including the kitchen table if properly seasoned. I love variety, trying new things - and as it's just me that usually is having a beer (thought the SWMBO is starting to come around to some of the experiments and has her own favorites) I'm firmly in the small batch brewing camp.

BeerLover -

Looks great! That's a fun little setup, I like the brown PET - I have to cover up all my carboys. I bet it'll make transfering to the bottling bucket a snap (provided you use one, I know BikerBrewer said he bottles straight out of the conical. Get that puppy in the basement, forget about it for a few weeks, and start planning your next brew!

I'll be curious to know how cleanup goes in it!

 

[beerlover87]

Getting back to the OP's original question (I just found this thread), I totally agree. I've since gone to 1 and 2 gal batches. If I've really nailed a beer, then perhaps a 3 gal batch. I wish I never bought my 5 gal equipment.

Why?

I don't know, maybe I'm anti-social, but I simply don't have THAT many friends to help me consume 600 beers every year.

I mean, with the thousands of recipes and styles there are to explore, how can you NOT brew at least one batch per month? (Time permitting). So this is where I simply DO NOT get why a 5 gallon batch is so popular!

Twelve 5 gal batches per year = 600 beers (at least). That's 12 beers per week. Maybe this is where my problem lays- I drink less than that. There, I SAID IT! Personally, if I drink more than 4-5 beers per week, I definitely put on the weight. I've already proven that! So what to do with the other 7 beers?

Yeah of course I've got friends to share with, but they're sort of like me, and can't handle being given beers every week from me and their other friends (and that's when my beers are worth sharing), plus...

I haven't even mentioned that (I assume) we all consume beers other than our own product! Don't tell me you go down the craft beer isle lately (that has thankfully been expanding) without grabbing this and grabbing that. Plus we all have fellow brewers that give US their brew. All those extra bottles ALSO eat into my weekly consumption "quota"!

So Again, I'm mystified at what everyone else does with the massive quantity of beer produced by multiple 5 gallon batches (i.e., 10-12 batches a year). And if brewing less, then why? I mean, as I mentioned earlier, there are so many recipes and own creations to try, why brew so few batches (unless of course time available for brewing is a factor in your life - I can see that).

So yes, I'm a huge proponent of small batches. I usually brew 1 gal batches, till I find one I really like, then will step-up the size next time. Or if I really expect I'll like a batch, I'll pull out my trusty Mr. beer 2 gal fermenter!

As such, I really appreciate the "Scale Recipe Size" function in the BeerSmith software - it's been a huge benefit for me.

My guy at the local brew supply store gets on my nerves. I told him yesterday I found a thread where lots of people brew small batches for quicker brewing and more variety of brews. He still acts like I am a idiot for brewing 2.5 gal batches. Personally I think it's cause he only sells for 5 gallon batches he really pissed me off. Makes me just want to order supplies on line

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[bgm1961]

He still acts like I am a idiot for brewing 2.5 gal batches.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post how I too, totally disagree with this attitude. The OP mentioned the advice he got, which I also hear quite often: "Well if you're going to take the time to brew a small batch, you might as well brew a 5 gal batch!"

Hogwash.

In my beginning days, it took me 2 or 3 Mr. Beer batches to declare myself ready to join the "big leagues". So my first 4 or 5 batches after that were 5 gal batches. Flash forward 1-2 years, as I was dumping perhaps 20 bottles from each of those batches, I realized then, what a mistake I made brewing so much beer. And yes, I admit some of those early batches weren't worthy of sharing, so that's a consideration. Regardless, it was then that I decided to go to small batch brewing and I've been happier since.

I've wandered... getting back to my original point... Hogwash. Yes, IT IS MORE TROUBLE to brew a 5 gal batch than a 2.5 gal batch... especially if you're bottling. I'll admit here also, that kegging does narrow the "hassle" factor.

But still, IT IS EASIER when using smaller pots, smaller fermenters, and simply less-cumbersome equipment. Less bottles. And it's LESS TIME.

NOT to mention, less beer to have to store, and less beer to have to rely on friends to drink or dump down the sink. Or otherwise drink yourself and get fat. Again, this all assuming one is brewing and drinking more than @4-5 batches per year.

So each time I hear someone say, "If you're going to brew ANYWAY, then you might as well brew a 5 gal batch"!, I just want to explode.

 

[beerlover87]

THANK YOU. I just think its bad business so I am trying to get another store owner here in town to carry brewing supply stuff as well for the " little guys"

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[Oginme]

My guy at the local brew supply store gets on my nerves. I told him yesterday I found a thread where lots of people brew small batches for quicker brewing and more variety of brews. He still acts like I am a idiot for brewing 2.5 gal batches. Personally I think it's cause he only sells for 5 gallon batches he really pissed me off. Makes me just want to order supplies on line

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Any other LHBS around you? Next time he starts his comments, you can always tell him that if he doesn't want your business, you can take it elsewhere and see if his attitude changes. I'm lucky. My LHBS has great people, very willing to help anyone with any type of set-up. They have their own kits for 5 gal batches, but I have seen the owner get on his computer and custom size a batch for someone without any negative comment and with an enthusiastic attitude. He appreciates the business.

 

[Jupapabear]

My LHBS helps with adjustments and substitutions with care as well. They are an excited bunch that I am pleased to have near by. I would suggest looking for another place to shop.

Jupapabear

 

[beerlover87]

Any other LHBS around you? Next time he starts his comments, you can always tell him that if he doesn't want your business, you can take it elsewhere and see if his attitude changes. I'm lucky. My LHBS has great people, very willing to help anyone with any type of set-up. They have their own kits for 5 gal batches, but I have seen the owner get on his computer and custom size a batch for someone without any negative comment and with an enthusiastic attitude. He appreciates the business.

No others around but we do have a microbrewery here in town and the same guy owns a small carry out I talked to him about getting some stuff in his carry out but like I said its a small store. That is his only issue. But I told him I really didn't care for the other guys attitude he is out of town for a week and told me to get back with him when he comes back to town. Hopefully we can get something going.

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[gromitdj]

Slightly off topic, but...

I believe those lids on the Brew Demon conical are similar to the Mr. Beer lid, in that they are designed to vent without an airlock when the plug is in. I believe the "bubbler" conversion they sell contains a gasket to completely seal the lid for the airlock. This may be why some of you guys that bought your own stopper and airlock aren't getting any action in it.

 

[beerlover87]

Slightly off topic, but...

I believe those lids on the Brew Demon conical are similar to the Mr. Beer lid, in that they are designed to vent without an airlock when the plug is in. I believe the "bubbler" conversion they sell contains a gasket to completely seal the lid for the airlock. This may be why some of you guys that bought your own stopper and airlock aren't getting any action in it.

Yes it came with a thicker gasket with the bubbler upgrade I have that on I am seeing action in the fermentor now just was bein a little impatient with this being my first brew. I am sure I will get some bubbler action soon it has about a 1/4 inch of head on it now and its moving around fairly good in there so I think like I said being impatient was my problem lol hasn't even been 24 hours yet

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[dkevinb]

Yes it came with a thicker gasket with the bubbler upgrade I have that on I am seeing action in the fermentor now just was bein a little impatient with this being my first brew. I am sure I will get some bubbler action soon it has about a 1/4 inch of head on it now and its moving around fairly good in there so I think like I said being impatient was my problem lol hasn't even been 24 hours yet

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I usually don't even bother checking for 24 hours. There are multiple phases to fermentation. I recommend John Palmer's "How To Brew" for the gory details. But the first step is for the yeast to acclimate and reproduce enough to start metabolizing sugar into alcohol. During that phase (adapative phase) they consume oxygen, which is why you want to aerate the wort before pitching the yeast. It can take a day or more before you see any airlock activity depending on how much and how healthy the yeast is and how much oxygen is in the wort. If you don't aerate it's not a disaster, it just takes a little longer. Then for about a week the yeast will turn simple sugars into alcohol during the attenuative or primary phase. Finally they go back and clean up after themselves, consuming the more complex sugars along with some byproducts they made during primary. This is the conditioning or secondary phase. You probably won't see many or any bubbles at all during this phase.

Bottom line is it will bubble for maybe a week, then stop. But don't bottle it yet. Most people recommend waiting at least another week or better two weeks before bottling. Then wait 2-3 weeks or more before drinking. Patience is the hardest part of brewing, but you can't rush it. Well, you can, but it won't taste very good.