Getting back to five gallons?

[jmoore051]

My first batch has just finished fermenting (going to let sit for another week or so) and I lost about a 1/2 a gallon through blow-off. I was wondering if I could use like a half gallon of water for my priming sugar come bottling time to get back closer to the 5 gallon mark? Would there be any ill affects to this?

 

[rhamilton]

I'd leave it alone and control the blow off next time. Consider the lost 1/2 gallon a tribute to the beer gods.

If you add water -- you'll alter the recipe's gravity and ofc, have watered down beer.

 

[tre9er]

I'd leave it alone and control the blow off next time. Consider the lost 1/2 gallon a tribute to the beer gods.

If you add water -- you'll alter the recipe's gravity and ofc, have watered down beer.

This. You can use tablets to control krausen, but a larger FV might be just the thing. That way no/less foam can get out.

 

[jmoore051]

But wouldn't my ABV be higher than intended right now since my recipe was based on 5 gallons?


So its more so a flavor issue i guess.

 

[msujack]

But wouldn't my ABV be higher than intended right now since my recipe was based on 5 gallons?


So its more so a flavor issue i guess.

Not neccessarily, your ABV is based upon the contents of the whole bucket/carboy. You lost more than just water through the blow off. If you add water however, you will definitely be lowering the ABV and watering down the beer.

 

[jmoore051]

Thanks for the responses everyone... No extra water it is. All and all a 1/2 gallon lost isn't bad considering my total lack of experience at this point

 

[BrewMU]

But wouldn't my ABV be higher than intended right now since my recipe was based on 5 gallons?


So its more so a flavor issue i guess.

You lost wort in the blow-off. You could bring it back up to 5 gallons, but that will lower the gravity and ABV a little, plus dilute the hop bitterness and flavor some as well. It could still be good, just a little weaker. Your call.

 

[AdamPag]

Same mistakes made my 1st time too. Next time plan ahead for boil off and Evap (about 15%?) and top off maybe an extra quart before pitching?

 

[WhiteEagle1]

Get a 6.5 Gallon Carboy......probably won't lose as much next time.
(assuming your using a 5 gal)