Too Little Water?

[mayday1019]

Hello,

Thank you guys for replying to my last post. Everyone's been a very big help.

I just noticed that I may have used too little water when I made this first brew. I used a 5gal Poland Springs bottle, thinking at the time I'd make 5 gals of brew.

I just re-read the directions and they ask for 2.5 gals of water in the wort, and after the wort is added to the primary, then add enough water to make 5.5 gals total.

Since i only used a 5 gal bottle to start, i figure that by not adding the extra 1/4 gallon it asks for and through evaporation during the boil, I may be short 1/4-1/3 of a gallon of brew! Will this affect my bottling situation? Since the brew is more concentrated, could I be looking at the possibility of exploding bottles?

I know the brew will be slightly higher in alcohol and stronger tasting, but will I be facing any serious problems?

Also, could I add an additional 1/4 gallon of water to my secondary or would I be risking too much with oxidation and contamination?

Thank you!

 

[magno]

You should be ok, just remember for next time. Dont add anymore water to your fermenter now.

Depending on how much short of five gallons you are, you may reduce the amount of priming sugar, but I wouldnt even worry too much about this if you are short less than a half gallon.

The beer will be higher ABV and a little heavier, but still drinkable. What kind of beer is it?

- magno

 

[mayday1019]

Thank you for your reponse. Its a Sam Adams Boston Ale clone I got from AustinHomeBrew.com (Who I recommend by the way...They are very helpful and quick).

I actually just took a gravity reading and you're right about the abv. It came out to 4.58% as opposed to 4.3%, as it should have. I also tasted it after theiving the sample, and it is very drinkable!

Thank you again for the response and if there's any other advice you can throw my way (aside from read the directions next time!) feel free!

Best regards,

Bob

 

[homebrewer_99]

You won't get any bottle grenades as long as the brew has fermented all the way out, whatever FG is right for the style.