Any reason I can't do a small batch BIAB imperial stout?

[linusstick]

I have done a bunch of extract and few traditional all grain beers Years and years ago. I'm jumping back in to brewing again this weekend. I'm doing an extract beer on Saturday and an all grain BIAB Sunday. Both are one gallon. Is there a physical limitation to making a big 10% imperial stout using the BIAB method AND only brewing a gallon? I have the equipment to do a full 5 gallon batch but for now I want to stick to small batches. I don't drink a lot but I want to brew a lot (and experiment). I've read doing high gravity beers using BIAB is hard because of how heavy the bag gets with all the grains. If I'm doing one gallon that shouldn't be a problem no?

 

[RevKev]

You'll be fine... I've had 32 pounds of grain in a 7 gallon batch used a pulley to lift. But whatever your pots capacity and strength of the bag dictates go for it..

 

[btbnl]

The other issue for high gravity BIAB is the (typically) lower efficiency you get, though you can always turn that around and do a "second dunkings" batch too.

 

[C-Rider]

I have done a number of RIS 2 gallon batches BIAB. The last won first place in this years contest on Maui. This video shows my method as it was done 6 years ago. Little has changed. I've moved up to a 5 gallon boil pot and for an RIS I have a 6 gallon pot. BTW this brew was 11% and after a year maturing in bottles it was pretty darn good. The alcohol bit mellowed quite a bit. Next one I'm gonna age for 2 years. Well some anyway. LOL

 

[AZCoolerBrewer]

Very cool. I watched the whole video and it was very interesting to see how someone else brews.

 

[violinguy]

I have done a bunch of extract and few traditional all grain beers Years and years ago. I'm jumping back in to brewing again this weekend. I'm doing an extract beer on Saturday and an all grain BIAB Sunday. Both are one gallon. Is there a physical limitation to making a big 10% imperial stout using the BIAB method AND only brewing a gallon? I have the equipment to do a full 5 gallon batch but for now I want to stick to small batches. I don't drink a lot but I want to brew a lot (and experiment). I've read doing high gravity beers using BIAB is hard because of how heavy the bag gets with all the grains. If I'm doing one gallon that shouldn't be a problem no?

I'm working on an imperial recipe right now that should come in at 10-11%. I typically do 3 gallon batches in a 21 quart pot. I'm thinking about brewing a smaller batch for this one though because 11 pounds of wet grain weighs a metric @$#-ton.

As long as your equipment will take it (sounds like yours will) then I say go for it. Yes, you need to be on point with your mash. Maybe a dunk sparge as a second sparge. As long as you can get a decent efficiency, there's no reason why not. You can always adjust your grain bill for a lower efficiency like 60-65% or something.

 

[violinguy]

I have done a number of RIS 2 gallon batches BIAB. The last won first place in this years contest on Maui. This video shows my method as it was done 6 years ago. Little has changed. I've moved up to a 5 gallon boil pot and for an RIS I have a 6 gallon pot. BTW this brew was 11% and after a year maturing in bottles it was pretty darn good. The alcohol bit mellowed quite a bit. Next one I'm gonna age for 2 years. Well some anyway. LOL

Great video. Glad it turned out well. Nice to see smaller batches being made.