2nd ALL-Grain Batch Same Issue

[bthorn9435]

I just got done brewing an English Bitter and the target gravity was 1.042 I was at 1.054. This is the second time this has happened. I'm thinking I don't need to add the extra pound to the recipe due to efficiency loss. Before I started All-Grain I read posts that referenced adding an extra
pound to offset efficiency loss. Do you guys think I should ditch the extra pound. Will this put me in my target range? Whats the worst that can happen by what I have done? High ABV?

 

[GoldMiner]

I'd ditch the extra pound.

If you are hitting your gravity consistently there is no need.

 

[rosier9]

Why would you add the extra grain before even knowing if you have an efficiency problem? Deleting this extra pound from the recipe will fix your issue. It sounds like your efficiency is just fine. You haven't hurt anything by doing what you have done, maybe some flavor change.

 

[Joedub]

ditch the pound

 

[bthorn9435]

I read so much about efficiency issues with batch sparging that I got scared
I would have an issue. But based on the last two outings it appears that I don't.

 

[skyebrewing]

Get a program like beersmith. You input your gravities and it will tell you your efficiency percentage for that recipe. Then when you become consistent, you can tailor your recipes to that efficiency and hit the gravity you want. In the meantime, ditch the pound

 

[camus]

1. I would not worry about efficiency issues with batch sparging, or any other method for that matter.

2. Until you know what your efficiency is don't try to overcompensate, just have some DME on hand or let it ride.

3. Software will help, or do your math, whatever you chose keep a record.

 

[lumpher]

back when i batch-sparged, i'd get ~74% effiiciency. most recipess are based on ~75%. as everyone says, no need to alter the recipe without knowing how you're doing before alteration

 

[bthorn9435]

What kind of flavor change can I expect?

 

[Brulosopher]

What kind of flavor change can I expect?

It depends on how (or if) you compensated for the difference. Did you add water to your wort to lower the gravity? Either way, if you hit your other numbers (mash temp, etc) and ferment well, the beer will likely taste very similar to what you intended. If using a highly attenuative yeast strain, you could have a slightly higher ABV. In the end, it's still beer

 

[bthorn9435]

Used Wyeast 1098
Gravity was at 1.052
Didn't add any water

 

[bthorn9435]

Thought i wa at .54 but ended up being 1.052

 

[theonetrueruss]

it'll taste fine RDWHAHB Leave the extra pound out next time if you want

 

[bthorn9435]

Thanks