Smaller batches

[Techie101]

I know most people start with 5 gallon batches and move up. I was wondering if anyone has made smaller batches before. Like 3, 2 or even 1 gallons at a time. I'm guessing this would be difficult due to the fact that even for 5 gallon batches a lot of the time it calls for .25 oz of hops and cutting that down to a 1 gallon batch would be like adding one or two small pinches of hops.

My reason for asking is that I'd like to brew less, more often. It takes me too long to drink 5 gallons of beer and I always like a variety. I'd like to have a few 1/2/3 gallons on hand of different types at any given time. I'm not kegging right now otherwise I'd just get a 3 tap system and do 3 5 gallons and drink on them for a long while.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!
~Matt

[linuxelf]

The guy from Basic Brewing Radio did a video podcast about making one six pack of IPA. Looked simple enough. He demonstrated it as a way to test out new recipies or techniques without having to do a full 5 gallons. Definitely worth a look, if you haven't already seen it. http://basicbrewing.com/radio/index.php?page=video

[brewsters millionths]

you could make your 5galloon batch and split it into 5 x 1 gallon demijohns(winemaking fermenters) and do different things with each during fermentation. fruit extract, dry hopping, coffee addition, etc.

[Thirsty Boy]

Techie,

I've just bottled my second AG batch and I'm brewing 10-12.5 litre (2.5 - 3.5 gallon) batches for pretty much the same reasons as you want to.

It seems to work out just fine for me, both batches seem to have been a success. I designed my brewery for brewing this sized batch (pics/description posted in the Brewing Sculptures thread) and it suits my needs pretty well.

As for measuring hops, well, 2 things. Buy yourself a cocain measuring type of scale (suggested by the Pope Himself) and convert to the metric system. I measure hops in grams (1/28th of an ounce) and my last recipe I was using 5 and 10 gram amounts at the different stages.

Brew often - Brew Small - Learn Much - Have Fun

I know I am. See ya

[Homegrown Hops]

You could also just continue to make 5 gallon batches and send me 4 gallons. I would have no problem drinking another 4 gallons of beer.

HH