how much dme is too much

[Redpiper]

With a 3 gallon boil. Would probably mean 1 1/2 to 2 gallons or so of water to start plus DME volume. There must be an amount that is too much and requires a split boil or bigger pot, but I couldn't find it by searching.

 

[nanofreak]

If you think you are going to have to thick of a wort during the boil, I would just do the remaining DME )or even LME) as a late addition.

I have never had a problem of too much DME though. What is it you're trying to make, and how much are you looking to use?

 

[Redpiper]

Suppose I wanted to do an Imperial Stout. Say 10 lbs of DME in a 2 1/2 gallon boil. Just wondered if it was possible.

What I'd probably do is specialty grains and 3-4 pounds in a smaller pot - say 1 1/2 gallon. Boil 20-30 minutes and chill while the main pot does the rest of the DME and hops. Then combine.

Still, just wondered if it could all be done in the one pot.

 

[Docjowles]

I made an imperial stout with a partial boil last year. Other than way under-attenuating (pitched 1 vial of yeast with no starter into something like a 1.080 beer...what can I say it was like my 3rd brew ) it came out very nice. I was using liquid extract but other than that it was pretty similar to what you said. 9 lbs extract, about 2 lbs specialty grains in a 2.5 gallon boil. I see no reason to split it up, just maybe add the bulk of the extract in the last few minutes of the boil so you don't get horrible hop utilization.