5 or 5.5 gallon batch??

[zanemoseley]

So I'm a bit confused about batch sizes needed. My first brew I topped off to exactly 5 gallons and I ended up getting about 4 less bottles then I expected (54), I thought this was probably due to the liquid left in the trub and yeast cake. So the second batch I topped off to 5.5 gallons and my OG was low from the instructions. So which is right?

 

[dontman]

Going by the straight math you should get about 53 bottles to a 5 gallon batch but for me anywhere in the neighborhood of from 48 up to 55 is cool with me. I'd say 50 is average for me subtracting trub.

 

[double_e5]

If you are referring to kits, most extract kits are put together for 5 gal. into the fermenter. Where you are seeing 5.5 gallon batches is probably when people are formulating their own recipes to make up for the extra 1/2 gal.

As dontman said, I also average about 50 bottles for a 5 gal. batch.

 

[ifishsum]

I'd be more concerned about having the correct gravity than having a certain number of bottles. Try this- top up to 5 gallons, stir very well and take the gravity. If you're still a little over what the recipe says, then you can top up to 5.5 and get those extra bottles without watering down the recipe.

I purposely adjust my batches for 5.5 gallons so I get the best of both worlds

 

[zanemoseley]

Ok well that batch may be a bit weak. I'm brewing today and will do 5 gallons.