Shorter boil time on second pot?

[Kolchek]

Hi all,

I do BIAB & use two pots for my boil. I do my 60min hop boil in a large pot & use a second smaller pot to get up to my desired final volume with lower gravity sparge [2nd pot is normally about 7L/2gal]. I was wondering if I can do a shorter boil on the 2nd pot.

I boil both pots simultaneously so what I'd like to do is, say, a 30min boil on the 2nd pot & cool that while the main pot is still boiling. Is there any reason why I shouldn't do that? I'm fairly new to all-grain.

Cheers.

 

[Qhrumphf]

If you're brewing all-grain, I wouldn't reduce boil time. You need a full boil length to break down SMM to DMS, and then drive DMS off with the boil. This is particularly important when using pilsner malt.

Plus I would recommend proportionately splitting your hops up, otherwise you're going to get reduced utilization from estimated if you're calculating it in full. If you're only calculating the IBUs based only on the one kettle then the math should be right (as accurate as IBU formulas can be at least), but it'll still require more hop mass for the same effect.

When I did/occasionally do split boils, I do notice a difference in the boiloff. Probably a factor of kettle design. But that may be a factor to consider.

 

[Kolchek]

Thanks for the reply. I do all-grain & was trying to find a way to shave a bit of time off, but it's no big deal - I'd rather have better beer.

Yeah, I calculate IBU based on the volume of 1 pot, not both. I have to use a bit more hops, but that's fine.

I've pretty much worked out my boil-off rates for each pot, so there's less panic involved now!

Cheers.