Pliny the Half-breed. Worst idea ever?

[tdoft]

So I told myself I wouldn't do it...but of course I bought the Pliny the Elder mini-mash kit from Austin's today. Seemed like a good deal. I love me some Pliny but I do have a similar (I hope) DIPA already in the primary. So I says to myself...self... how's about TWO five gallon batches using half the ingredients for each one. WIE? Probably. Sacreligous? Definately. But hey, I started this hobby to save money and brewing these 70+ dollar batches is a bullrush in the wrong direction. Any one think this isn't the worst idea ever? Any one done this before? Thoughts?

 

[MikeFlynn74]

It might only have 2425453 IBUs then

 

[JOHN51277]

It might only have 2425453 IBUs then

Maybe just a few more! Looks a little short there!

 

[tdoft]

Still can't decide whether to brew the whole enchilada or split the ingredients and pitch half on a pac man cake and the other half later with WL Cali V. Any votes yea or nay much appreciated.

 

[Saccharomyces]

GO FOR THE PLINY.

Not that I have much of an opinion.

Pliny is a thing of beauty. Savor it, don't water it down...

 

[Zen_Brew]

If you are brewing DIPA's you should definitely be buying your hops in quantitiy. Places like hopsdirect sell by the pound, and places like hops to you sell by the 1/4 lb. Other vendors regularly have specials on bulk purchases as well. That should help offset the hops which become the primary expense in a DIPA.

As to whether or not you should split your batch it is really your decision. There should certainly be enough hops for a couple fine standard IPA's. It depends on how much you had your heart set on Pliny, and how happy you'd be with a standard IPA.

 

[ohiobrewtus]

It might only have 2425453 IBUs then

Nah, Pliny is actually right about where an IIPA should be. Technically the style can go a bit higher or a bit lower.

You can certainly split it if you choose, but if you do you'll be making IPA's, not an IIPA.

 

[hamilt22]

But hey, I started this hobby to spend more money ...

Fixed that for ya

 

[tdoft]

Nice! Thanks for the correction and thanks all for the great advice. Thanks to you, five gallons of Pliny was saved from a tragically premature dilution. I will give you all a toast when I drink it...Now if someone could please explain this all to my wife....

 

[PseudoChef]

Nah, Pliny is actually right about where an IIPA should be. Technically the style can go a bit higher or a bit lower.

You can certainly split it if you choose, but if you do you'll be making IPA's, not an IIPA.

Pliny: 68 IBUs as determined by MS/GS. Booyeah.

 

[samc]

I would not split it. I would also look into buying the ingredients separate. I can make 10 gallons AG for the kit cost of 5 gallons.