3 gal AG, top up to 5 gal?

[Anubis]

I have been doing half batches having gone AG and miss the 5 gallons at a time method. I think I can do the grain math. I know my boil off rate, my preboil og/ efficiency average and the OG I would have to hit to still be able to top off.

Also, I was listening to BrewStrong and they talked about splitting a high OG beer with water. The same water type as the mash called for (ph5, gypsum, salts,etc.). So I was going to do the same.

And I am aware of any head retenion issues.

But I am still worried about hop additions. I can calculate IBU's for the three 3 gal and the 2 gal top off. Although I may up the hops a little just in case of aroma and flavor loss.

I'l post the recipe when I get it all together.

Any reason I shouldn't?
Thought?

 

[Anubis]

After seeing joeunc's post and reading a little more I think I'm just gonna do it.

 

[mattd2]

After seeing joeunc's post and reading a little more I think I'm just gonna do it.

Can you post a link to joeunc's posts? Been thinking about this as I only have a 4.5G pot. My thoughts were to mash enough grain for a 5G batch, boil the first runnings down, then top up with the sparge, boil to get hot break, cool and then top of with water (or boil the a 2nd sparge to get the hot break cool and top off).

 

[TANSTAAFB]

My opinions on this topic are pretty well elucidated in these 2 threads...short answer? Don't do it...if you do, you will make beer. Not only that, it will more than likely be really good beer. If you want that on your conscience, go for it, but...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f36/can-i-boil-just-under-5-gallons-206169/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/partial-all-grain-question-206090/

 

[malkore]

I can't see how the aroma addition would need to be increased. high gravity kills IBU utilization (from what I've read), so I don't think you'd need to worry about aroma/flameout increases, maybe not even the 15 minute flavoring addition. just the primary bittering hop additions.