Beginning advice - small batch brewing?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Javaslinger, May 2, 2017.

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  1. Javaslinger

    Javaslinger Initiate (0) May 1, 2017 Virginia

    So I'm thinking about taking the plunge. But I just can't imagine what I'm going to do with 50 bottles of beer each month!! One or two gallons seems much more reasonable AND I like the idea that I'll get to experiment more. Plus it sounds like all grain brewing is much easier to get into at this scale. I'm a home roaster and a lot of the fun is in trying new things. I can see the same fun to be had with beer!!

    So what am I going to be missing out on other than the vast amount of beer?

    I'm looking at some small batch kits and the idea of a comical fermenter seems nice. Any thoughts on the 2 gallon Brew Demon? The fact that it sells at Target and Sam's Club makes me a little wary that it might be commercialized junk... It's a conical fermenter advantageous at this scale?

    Anyway I'm excited to get started and jump in! And a bit relieved I don't have to turn into an alcoholic to Brew more often!!

    Thanks for taking the time to lend some advice to a budding rookie!
     
  2. SFACRKnight

    SFACRKnight Grand Pooh-Bah (3,348) Jan 20, 2012 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Check out www.howtobrew.com
    small batch brewing is very popular, and a lot of companies make equipment and ingredient kits to accommodate the small batch brewer. Welcome to the obsession!
     
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  3. NeroFiddled

    NeroFiddled Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,276) Jul 8, 2002 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Firstly, you don't have to turn into an alcoholic - just give it away! There are plenty of us that have done that, and it's part of the fun getting feedback!

    The only real drawback to small batch brewing is that you're still spending certain amounts of time in brewing where a little bit more could yield twice as much or more. You save a little bit of time on small batches, but it's still a heavy investment into your free time.

    And, as you've pointed out yourself, something like a conical fermentor is overkill.

    But I also understand your dilemma, I used to brew 4 gallon batches and I always had at least 8 cases that I needed to get through - because if you're doing it right you're going to keep doing new batches. If I could go back in time maybe I would have set up for 2 gallon batches instead of 4.

    Have fun!
     
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  4. machalel

    machalel Initiate (0) Jan 19, 2012 Australia

    Nothing wrong with small batch brewing - I regularly do 1/2 batches if I'm trying out something new. Cheaper if it fails!

    As NeoFiddled said, the drawback is that the process works out to be more time per bottle... but it's not really that much of a big deal imho.
     
  5. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    You can start out with small batches, and your post gives the perfect reasons why to consider doing so. However, getting equipment now that is capable of 5-gallon batches will still work for smaller batches and you'll already be ready to expand when you decide to do so later.

    One thing that you did not mention is your brewing arrangements. Many new brewers are in an apartment setting with an electric stove which presents issues for you if you want to brew 5-gallon batches. Look for previous threads on that topic if that is your situation.

    Welcome to the BA site and to the home brewing forum. We're glad that you're here.
     
  6. dmtaylor

    dmtaylor Savant (1,149) Dec 30, 2003 Wisconsin

    I brew 1.7 to 2 gallons per batch these days. I don't need 50 bottles of every batch, and get to brew more often. I'm all pro-small batches. I use a 4-gallon kettle on my stove, 3-gallon carboys, no chiller, just dunk the kettle in a cold water bath, yadda yadda. Cost of equipment is thus pretty close to nil.
     
  7. Johnny_Duck

    Johnny_Duck Initiate (0) Apr 19, 2013 Tennessee

    I started out as a 1 gallon brewer. It was great being able to do it on the kitchen stove and the space the fermenter took up was minimal. Then I joined the local homebrew club and became interested in brewing beers to serve at festivals and quickly outgrew my 1 gallon set up. So I upgraded to a 3 gallon carboy. But even then I felt limited and ultimately ended up going to 5 gallon batches. I started out doing all grain with 1 gallon. For me, I wanted to learn how to do all grain even if it was on a 1 gallon scale. Decide what your ultimate goals are with homebrewing and buy accordingly. I'm sure I'm one of many that thought I'd only brew small batches and never move up. I don't regret starting small, however.
     
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