I'm thinking of scaling down my batches of homebrew.
My dilemma:
It simply takes too long for me to go through what I make because 1) I drink most of the beer that I brew and 2) I'm also an avid athlete so I usually limit myself to a few beers/week. But there are so many receipes, clones, and experiments, that I want to try!!!
My solution: Brew smaller batches more often. I'll start making 2.5gal batches instead of the usual 5gal. (I'll also look into hosting a few more beer tasting parties)
My questions:
1.) Will the extra headspace in my primary effect fermentation? (3gal in a 6.5gal bucket) Fermentation should still displace all the air with CO2, right?
2.) Should I get a smaller secondary, like a 3gal carboy? This seems to be the more crucial question. Will the extra headspace promote significant oxidation of my beer?
Thanks.
My dilemma:
It simply takes too long for me to go through what I make because 1) I drink most of the beer that I brew and 2) I'm also an avid athlete so I usually limit myself to a few beers/week. But there are so many receipes, clones, and experiments, that I want to try!!!
My solution: Brew smaller batches more often. I'll start making 2.5gal batches instead of the usual 5gal. (I'll also look into hosting a few more beer tasting parties)
My questions:
1.) Will the extra headspace in my primary effect fermentation? (3gal in a 6.5gal bucket) Fermentation should still displace all the air with CO2, right?
2.) Should I get a smaller secondary, like a 3gal carboy? This seems to be the more crucial question. Will the extra headspace promote significant oxidation of my beer?
Thanks.