My buddy and I brewed our first all grain kit about 2 weeks ago. It is a Tallgrass Velvet Rooster. I transfered to secondary today and noticed that I only have about 4.5 gallons (or maybe a bit less than that). My hydrometer readings look normal, I was just shocked at the low amount. I would have added some water to primary if I would have noticed on brew day. What kind of effect will this have on my brew?
What can I expect?
- Thread starter Jeff_2PRA
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Assuming this was an extract, I would think you would just have a slightly stronger beer, in both gravity and bitterness. You could add water but it might thin out the body of your beer. I would just leave it as is but in the end its up to you. I'm sure it'll turn out fine either way. You'll just have to adjust the amount of priming sugar you use based on the end volume
Did you have a lot of trub to loose a half gallon? Was it at FG & settled out?
If the hydrometer reading is near your target FG you are fine and should do nothing other than accept the fact you have a half gallon or so less homebrew than other batches.
Not sure if u were suggesting to or not but if you add water now u risk contaminating entire batch or your beer will be too thin if you are at/near target FG now.
Not sure if u were suggesting to or not but if you add water now u risk contaminating entire batch or your beer will be too thin if you are at/near target FG now.
Hogarthe
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't add water now. this is why a lot of people like to brew 5.25 or 5.5 gallons instead of 5. after transfer and trub losses, they end up with 5 gallons of finished beer. Just take into account that you have less than 5 gallons when you prime, and you'll be fine.
I wasn't going to add any water at this point. I was just wondering if it would drastically affect anything. There was more trub than I am used to so I guess that is where i messed up. Lesson learned. It tasted alright so I am hoping for the best. Ill be sure to adjust my priming solution.
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Next time,let it sit for a 3rd week to clean up by products of fermentation & settle out clear or slightly misty. By then,the trub & yeast should be more compacted on the bottom of primary.
flars
Well-Known Member
I always end up with less than 5 gallons of beer for a five gallon batch. I'm more careful during my racking to leave the trub, but do make sure I get yeast into the bottling bucket. I tilt my carboy a few days before racking to increase the thickness of the yeast layer.
