Reduction and equipment concern

[diptherunner]

Hello all,

I am assuming that I can take a typical 10 or 5 gallon recipe and divide it proportionally to make it smaller, however I don't have a smaller fermenting buckets or carboys. Can I use a 5 gallon fermenter for a 2 or 3 gallon brew? I'd like to reduce in order to accomplish some full wort boils at a size I already own. Thanks

 

[Kahler]

I do 3 gal batches in my 5 gal better bottle all the time. you just shouldnt secondary (if you do secodary) in a vessel that has a lot of head space.

 

[BluBruShack]

I still think that the smaller batches are a great way to try a recipe to see if you like it or not. Also a great way to experiment. I have done 1,2,3 gallon batches in various sized vessels. I have 1 gall and 2.5 gall swing top bottles I picked up at my LHBS that work great. Just picked them up for 8-12 dollars and bought a different bung (around 50 cents). This allows me to brew the smaller test batches and still have my larger car boys open for my favorites. Also if you are making similar batches of beer and you can re use the yeast cake and save some $.

They do make 3 gall carboys as well http://www.homebrewstuff.com/3-gallon-glass-carboy.html

GL and happy brewing

- BBS

 

[diptherunner]

Thanks everyone! Great ideas. I'll check out the little carboys next time i'm at the LHBS