So I've recently switched to AG brewing and learning throughout the process. I have been using Palmer's "how to brew" as a bible to guide me. I recently brewed an Irish Red Ale from Northern Brewer, I mashed 8.75 lbs of grain. Using the "how to brew" guide, I should be using 1.5-2 quarts of water p/pound of grain. 8.75 lbs x 2= 17.5 quarts or 4.37 gallons. I rounded up to 5 gallons. After the mash out, my brew kettle had exactly 5 gallons. Boiled Willamette hops for 60 min, and then US Goldings for 30 min as instructed. When I transferred to the carboy, I yielded 2.5-3 gallons. That seems a like a small amount? OG was 1050 opposed to the 1040 in the instructions. What are your suggestions for the issue? Thanks Jarrod