Wort volume question

[thomcatr3t]

So my buddy and I are going to brew our second batch tomorrow (Weizenbier Brewer’s Best extract kit). We’ve been arguing about whether or not we should follow the instructions exactly as they appear on the instructions provided in the kit, where it says to start the boil with 2.5 gallons of water, and after the wort is transferred into the carboy for primary adding water to get the wort up to 5 gallons. I am of the understanding that we should boil approximately 6 gallons of water (we have a 7.5 gal pot), allowing for some loss during the boil, and not adding any water when we transfer to the carboy. I’m sure that to an extent both opinions are correct, but what should we do? Also, are there any benefits to either method? Thanks so much for the help guys!

 

[Hamada]

Unless you re-calculate the hops for a full boil, use the volume called for in the recipe. If you increase the boil volume it will decrease the specific gravity of the boil. This will increase the hop utilization making the bitterness much higher than intended for the recipe.

 

[msujack]

not worth arguing. either is fun. paper rock scissors for the winner. It is easier to boil the 2.5 and add water to make of the difference as opposed to guessing the boil off rate. Or you might add some water to get to the 5 gallons if more boils off than you thought. Or if not as much boils off, you have (abiet slight) watered down beer with a little more water. Either way, not worth arguing about. Have a beer, whomever has the higher number from adding up the individual numbers up on their driver's license wins this round.

 

[dbreienrk1]

60 minute boil? I'd say more like 5.33 gallons in the kettle if you do a full boil. Both methods are correct. I prefer full boil, but it takes longer to heat and cool. People argue about partial boils and hop utilization levels, but in my opinion the difference is negligible at best.

Since you are using extract consider doing a late extract addition. Search for it on the forum...

 

[thomcatr3t]

This particular recipe already calls for what seems to be a late extract addition. 3.3 lb of LME go in right when the water starts boiling, then 3.3 more lbs are to be added with 20 minutes remaining in the boil. Is there reason to make it any later than that?

 

[dbreienrk1]

Nope, that's the way to do it. It just helps avoiding over-caramelizarion of the sugars.

 

[Balto]

Nope, that's the way to do it. It just helps avoiding over-caramelizarion of the sugars.

Boiling a larger volume will result in better hop utilization, less darkening of the wort and better tasting beer.

 

[dbreienrk1]

Boiling a larger volume will result in better hop utilization, less darkening of the wort and better tasting beer.

Can you tell me the difference between the hop utilization rate for 3 gallons vs 5 gallons? Can you define better tasting beer?

 

[Balto]

Can you tell me the difference between the hop utilization rate for 3 gallons vs 5 gallons? Can you define better tasting beer?

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Hop_utilization

 

[carltjones]

In an extract kit you will see the mentioned hop utilization and the requiment to cool down more wort. Get a chiller device ready as an ice bath won't work effectively.

 

[dbreienrk1]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Hop_utilization

By your response I'm guessing you don't know. To be honest, neither do I. What I'm trying to get across is people regurgitate so many things on here just because someone else said it (I used to do it as well). Secondary fermentation was a mandatory step 5 years ago, but now people question its purpose altogether. I don't think the average home brewer could tell the difference between a 3 gal partial and a 5 gal full. Maybe a 5 gal and a 30 bbl.

 

[Balto]

Forgive me for not spelling it out, but I'm not that good at typing on a phone to answer a post. From what I've read there is no real difference between them.

 

[carltjones]

Correct. There is minimal difference in flavor.

Another negative may include chlorine taste in unboiled city tap water.