Boil Questions

[Dan2539]

Okay, I understand that if you have the option of doing a full boil, you should go for it. I also understand that a full boil allows for lighter coloring of the beer due to not having the carmelization that can happen to the wort in a partial boil. I am also aware that when you use a full boil, your hops are better utilized and you therefore use less.

I have been hearing talk of using late additions of extracts in the boils to keep the carmelization of the wort at bay in a partial boil method. Assuming that I don't really mind using a little extra hops due to the poorer utilization, why is a full boil still better than a partial using the late addition methods? Also, why have all the kits that I have used called for a full 60 minute boil of the extracts rather than a late addition? Have the kits been giving me bad advice?

Maybe you guys can clear up some things that I'm probably just not understanding. Thanks!

 

[bonzombiekitty]

Assuming that I don't really mind using a little extra hops due to the poorer utilization, why is a full boil still better than a partial using the late addition methods?

Personally, I'd do it simply for accurate more accurate gravity measurements. Putting a lot of water in post boil means you have to mix it all together to distribute the wort evenly, if you don't do it well enough then you could sample from part of the wort that has a lower/higher gravity than expected. But my stove can't handle boiling 5 gallons.

Also, why have all the kits that I have used called for a full 60 minute boil of the extracts rather than a late addition? Have the kits been giving me bad advice?

It's not "wrong" but rather not necessarily the best. The couple directions I've seen from kits were fairly poorly written and seemed to take the fastest and easiest approach to things. A longer boil would dissolve the extract into the wort better, there's a point in time wherein you've dissolved as much extract as well as possible - what that time is would depend. It could be 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes.... Throwing the extract in at the beginning is just safer in that respect. Either way, I don't think it'll make too much of a difference as long as you stir well enough.

 

[david_42]

Late extract addition is a relatively new technique, so only a few kit manufacturers are using it.

 

[Dan2539]

Thanks guys, I also hear that full boils somehow make a beer better tasting in the long run as told here : https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f37/if-full-boil-possible-do-89826/index11.html. Whats the reasoning behind this?

 

[Doc Robinson]

Thanks guys, I also hear that full boils somehow make a beer better tasting in the long run as told here : https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f37/if-full-boil-possible-do-89826/index11.html. Whats the reasoning behind this?

I can't give a scientific reason right now, but it was explained to me like this:

Imagine making a wonderful soup...chicken broth, herbs and spices, vegetables, etc. that you put together in a big pot and simmer all day to really blend and extract all the wonderful smells and flavors.

Imagine doing that same soup, but instead, you only use half the total volume of chicken broth to start, simmer all day, and right before serving, you dilute it with the other half of the chicken broth...