HELP! Confused and Starting New Brew

[Satokad]

Hey Folks,

I am about to do a 1.5 Gallon brew with a recipe off of Brewer's Friend (link below). It calls for a Batch Size of 1.5 Gallons. I get that.
It also calls for a Boil Size of 1.5 Gallons. If I start with 1.5 gallons, I obviously won't have that at the end. Do I start with more water for the wort, or do I just add water at the end to make 1.5 gallons? I would imagine that if I start with just 1.5 gallons, it'll be pretty shallow by the end of a 60 minute boil.
Thanks.

https://www.brewersfriend.com/homebrew/recipe/view/487187/citrus-ipa

 

[TwistedGray]

Are you shooting for 1 gallon or 1.5 gallons?

If you are shooting for 1.5 gallons I would start at 2-2.25 gallons (depending on your boil off rate). If you are shooting for 1 gallon go with the 1.5 gallons.

In either case you can top off.

 

[balrog]

Yeah that's a little confusing but you want to end up with 1.5 into fermenter (that's how the points calculate out anyway).

Since it's mostly extract, those recipes typically are "boil less but top up" type.

 

[spanosspanos]

Yeah that's a little confusing but you want to end up with 1.5 into fermenter (that's how the points calculate out anyway).

Since it's mostly extract, those recipes typically are "boil less but top up" type.

Agreed, that does seem confusing indeed... And also agreed, being that it's an extract recipe, it's probably intended to be topped off after the boil. 1.5 for boil still does seem low though... My boil off rate can get up to about 1gal/hr...and with that condensed amount of wort, I think the color may turn out much darker than intended, and possibly even have a higher risk of scorching if you don't stay on top it. imho, I'd start with 2 gallons, then top up whatever you need to get to 1.5... Be sure you've pre boiled your top-up water...don't wanna be dumping a bunch of chlorine and critters into your freshly boiled wort!

 

[Satokad]

Are you shooting for 1 gallon or 1.5 gallons?

If you are shooting for 1.5 gallons I would start at 2-2.25 gallons (depending on your boil off rate). If you are shooting for 1 gallon go with the 1.5 gallons.

In either case you can top off.

I am shooting for the 1.5 Gallon batch. I will start at 2 gallons. Thanks.

Yeah that's a little confusing but you want to end up with 1.5 into fermenter (that's how the points calculate out anyway).

Since it's mostly extract, those recipes typically are "boil less but top up" type.

Thanks.

Agreed, that does seem confusing indeed... And also agreed, being that it's an extract recipe, it's probably intended to be topped off after the boil. 1.5 for boil still does seem low though... My boil off rate can get up to about 1gal/hr...and with that condensed amount of wort, I think the color may turn out much darker than intended, and possibly even have a higher risk of scorching if you don't stay on top it. imho, I'd start with 2 gallons, then top up whatever you need to get to 1.5... Be sure you've pre boiled your top-up water...don't wanna be dumping a bunch of chlorine and critters into your freshly boiled wort!

Two gallons it will be.
It was suggested that the color will still be darker than preferred (also had a question about the yeast since it appears to call for a whole packet), and that I could offset this to some degree by adding half the extract towards the end of the boil.
For the water, I am using bottled. Does it still need to be boiled?
Thanks.

 

[balrog]

I used to top up extract batches straight from the tap. I know folks who used bottled. While it worked for me, you have to do what works for you.

 

[TwistedGray]

For that size you do not need to use an entire package of yeast; however, for reassurance go right ahead. I've used an entire packet (mainly by mistake) on a 1.5-2 gallon batch and it was fine. I then used that cake for a second and third batch without issue

 

[spanosspanos]

I am shooting for the 1.5 Gallon batch. I will start at 2 gallons. Thanks.



Thanks.



Two gallons it will be.
It was suggested that the color will still be darker than preferred (also had a question about the yeast since it appears to call for a whole packet), and that I could offset this to some degree by adding half the extract towards the end of the boil.
For the water, I am using bottled. Does it still need to be boiled?
Thanks.

The more I've brewed, the more I've become aware of the potential for contamination. If you have the time, I would boil the water even if it's bottled..if only because it can't hurt.. It will take some time to cool, so that could be annoying to account for; or boil 1-2 gallons in a separate pot, put the lid on it and let it cool...