Overshot efficiency. Dilute?

[MplsUgly]

I brewed a German pilsner today and managed to get a higher mash efficiency than I'm used to, 78%. If it was a stout or something I would roll with it but I really wanted a beer around 4.8% and it looks like this is going to be closer 6%. My target OG was 1.048 and I ended up with 1.054.

This was a 10.5 gallon batch that I split into two carboys. Im thinking about addin .6 gallons of water into one of them to drop the gravity. Any harm in doing this?

Should I just let it go and have a big pilsner? 6% Really is more than I wanted in this style.

Thoughts?

 

[albino314]

Yeah, diluting it will work fine. I did that on my last batch, and it turned out great.

 

[FunkedOut]

diluting will lower your ibu as well.
I had a Pilsner go high on gravity and volume.
it was a freak 90% efficiency batch using a bit of flaked corn.
I should’ve readjusted the hop additions before boil.
It was a little lacking in flavor.

 

[CJ-3]

I know how you feel about this. You were looking forward to a lighter ABV and a great tasting brew. If you want to dilute it a bit your overall flavor may go down some or maybe you may lose some of the bitterness.

 

[MplsUgly]

Well the best part about 10 gallon batches it the opportunity to screw around with half of the batch and not be completely SOL if things go to **** in one half. I diluted one half down to 1.048, 28 IBU. The original blend is 1.054, 32 IBU. (Don't question my math, I'm drinking and I like the results so that's all that matters.)

Both fermenters are ripping mad at 50 degrees so I feel good about it.

 

[FunkedOut]

Nice. I’m curious to hear a comparison.

 

[z-bob]

I like the idea of diluting half of it and just rolling with the other half. You could also pitch a lower-attenuation yeast.