Too Much Beer In Carboy?

[tallmanbrew]

So I have a problem that is a problem I wish we all have. I brewed an imperial stout yesterday in an 8 gallon pot and as a poured it into my 7 gallon carboy I soon realized that I had more brew then room to fit it. I filled it to the rim and threw on a blow off tube as opposed to a 3 part airlock.

Issue: I have one 6 gallon bottling bucket. So... Any thoughts on how to proceed? Any great ideas?

 

[WrongCoastBrewery]

Well, considering your issue, I think the only option is to split the batches between the two. That or go buy another carboy or better bottle to split them between.

 

[tallmanbrew]

Great idea. I will put 5 into secondary and stick to my original brew and the residue I will keep in the carboy for a couple and maybe play around with it.

 

[Chris1272]

I had a similar problem with a porter last weekend. I had about 7 or so gallons after boil and a 6.5 gallon carboy. so I poured about 3 gallons into a big pot and boiled it down to about 2 on the stove and added back to the rest. essentially upping the gravity and reducing the volume. this might be viable if you haven't pitched the yeast.

 

[dummkauf]

Last time I had that problem I sanitized a 1 gallon milk carton, and the rubber stopper/airlock fit in the end just right.

 

[dcp27]

Great idea. I will put 5 into secondary and stick to my original brew and the residue I will keep in the carboy for a couple and maybe play around with it.

+1, definitely do something different with the excess. There's lots of different ways you can go (oak, different yeast, Brett/bugs, dry hop, vanilla or some other flavoring, etc) and it totally transforms the brew. I recently split my imperial porter and have part aging on a coconut rum extract and part w/ rum & oak.

 

[lumpher]

i have a few 1 gallon carboys. i put the remainder in them, and play around with it