To TOP UP or NOT???

[Dillwinkle]

Howdy -

Ok, dont ask me why or how....but I just plain forgot.

10 gallon batch Dark Lager.

I have a 10 gallon batch sitting in 2 - five gallon "secondary" carboys clearing off. My gravitys were a bit high. But I noticed - ahhh -that I forgot to top up to the 5 gallon mark.

Question: After sitting in the secondary now for almost 1 week, can I top up to the 5 gallon mark with chilled boiled water? Im shy about ....gulp...3/4 - 1 gallon on each carboy.

Thanks! Dill

Another lesson learned.....

 

[WortMonger]

You can if you want to, but you will lower your IBU's and gravity (of course). I top up on purpose. Here's a link to a technique used by many of our larger breweries. Cheers!

 

[92greenyj]

I say let it ride. We made that mistake with the first Alt beer I made. Ended up with 4 gallons in the fermenter. Came in around 8% ABV and took an extra couple of weeks of ageing before it was drinkable, but the end result was pretty good, all be it a little stronger than it should have been. I've actually never topped off a batch. If i'm a little short i just let it go. However I haven't really had that problem since then

 

[ksbrain]

+1 leave it alone.