Boil size of extract kit

[tmd49]

I recently brewed a Belgian Witbier with wheat extract, specialty grains, orange peel, corriander, etc. The kit called for 1.5 gallon boil and when all is said an done the color was not what is typical of a Witbier. I Carmelized the wort; but during the addition I did take it off the heat and stir while adding. Can I up the boil volume if the kit calls for only 1.5 gallons or would late addition of extract achieve desired flavor and color? The taste has changed with the obvious carmelization.

Up next: Oatmeal stout.

 

[Tall_Yotie]

I am assuming you did a partial boil and added water to the carboy to get up to the
standard 5 gallon level.

You can totally increase the volume of the boil. I do the full boil, using 6 gallons as I lose around a gallon during the boil. You will get the desired color both for a full boil, partial boil, and any size of a partial boil. A larger boil size will also help you avoid scorching the sugars. If you got carmelization as you called it then the extract probably was not fully dissolved in solution, and would help by a larger boil size. I always say to go with at least 2 gallons.

 

[tknice]

EDIT: What he said ^^

I've always wondered this as well. I'm not sure if the kit calls for a partial boil just because they are meant to be easy and everyone can boil 2.5 gallons of water (having an average sized stock pot).

Few things. First, the beer will lighten up considerably once the yeast do their thing and, as you said, a late addition will help with the color too. Try doing full boils which should make the beer lighter than more concentrated partial boils do. I plan to do full boils for everything from here on out.

Btw, here's the pot I'm using:
http://www.barbecueoutdoorgrills.com/stock-pots/stainless-steel-stock-pot-lid-36-qt-1194.html

Only done two batches with it but so far it kicks ass! $79 bucks shipped is crazy for this quality of a pot. It's 9 gallons so I can also mash in it for PM or AG batches.

-TK

 

[tmd49]

Nice! Thanks. I am going to get this kit again and try with a 3 gallon boil. I can't wait, but will the OG be off? Will I need to adjust the hoppage and extract to get the desired gravity and bitterness if I increase boil volume?