Hi all, only have a few brews under my belt but have noticed something with each one - I consistently have to fight boilovers for the entire 60 minutes. I have been doing partial boils (2.5 - 3 gallon) with extract kits, using a 7.5 gallon Kettle and propane burner. I'd think that is more than enough room to not have to deal with it always trying to boil over. I'd love to be able to do full boils and from my research it sounds like a 7.5 gallon Kettle is large enough, but not sure how that'd be possible with what I've been experiencing. I've used Fermcap S the past couple times and haven't noticed a change. Am I doing something wrong? Perhaps have the heat up too high? I wouldn't think I need to stir constantly for an hour, but maybe I do? To clarify, it doesn't actually boil over but it'll boil up to the very top of the Kettle and I'm usually able to get it back down with vigorous stirring and a spray bottle. But during a 60 minute boil this happens usually no less than 15 or so times. The beer has turned out fine, so it's not a huge issue, just a bit of a nuisance. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading my novel!
I'm guessing that your heat is turned up too high if you're having that kind of experience. Are these beers that have an intended high abv (high gravity)?
Agree with @Mothergoose03. I trust you're using a thermometer to monitor your target boil temperature. If your mash temperature is too high, you run the risk of creating unfermentable sugars leaving you with a lower ABV overall (i.e., low yeast attenuation) and possibly an overly sweet beer.
All right. My bad. Mistaking the boil for the mash. Still sounds like the OP may have his temp turned up too high during the boil, but as long as it doesn't really spill out of the pot and he's happy with his final product, I guess it's a moot point. Jesus, who would think I've been home brewing for over 25 years with a basic mistake on procedures like this... Must be beers I'm currently drinking...yeah, that's it...
No, all around 5 - 6.5 abv. Sounds like the consensus is that heat is too high. I guess I was naive to think boiling is boiling. Thanks all
If you are still having problems, you can get past the boil over stage by allowing the wort to begin to boil over and then cutting the heat. Once the boil "breaks" it will be less likely to boil over. So, keep a close eye on the boil. As soon as you see it rising, cut the heat to nothing, just barely a pilot light. Allow the wort to rest for a minute then begin the boil again. Repeat as needed. Eventually the boil will break and you will have a clean rolling boil. This is not a guarantee against boil over though. Just reduces the chances, so still watch the pot. If you don't you will have a boil over. Every homebrewer has been there once or twice. Cheers.
You have the heat too high for the volume you have. Have a spraygun ready. But... Once you hit boil. Dial it back. Ferocious boils might look nice, but most of the time, they aren't necessary. Also. Throw some hops in before boil. It'll help with your proteins, and the boil over thing.
