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Author Topic: multi-batch, combined fermentation question  (Read 3181 times)

Offline pikelakehomebrew

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multi-batch, combined fermentation question
« on: March 13, 2012, 10:12:54 am »
So before I get into my question, let me explain what I do and why I do it, which should help eliminate all the "well, why don't you just brew up 5 gallons and be done with it" statements. OK?  OK.   :o

Time is a precious commodity, and I don't get much of it with two little kids under three.  So I've moved from doing five-gallon all-grain brew days to smaller two-gallon all-grain brews in the kitchen on the stove top.  They're easy, low maintenance, no stuck mashes to draw out my brew day, it takes less time to come up to boil, and clean-up is faster, too.  With a two-gallon all-grain brew day, I can usually get it done in less than four hours (from start to finish) and still have the flexibility to walk away from things and take care of the kids — not so much with a five-gallon mash/lauter system. It's easier to carve out a little time for smaller batches than attempting a larger batch and having something go wrong and take up an hour or two of time that I just don't have.

So in short, I'm able to do two-gallon batches with ease and still allows me the flexibility to brew all-grain while being short on time.  (With the added benefit that I can also do a variety of beers and test out new recipes and have a wide array of home brew on tap or in bottles.)

MY QUESTION...

I've read about how some craft breweries brew multiple batches over time and just add it to their large fermentation chambers over a period of a few days.  Could I take the same principle and apply it to the home brew scale? In other words, lets say I brewed up batch one (2.5 gallons) on a Tuesday and began fermentation that night (in a 5 or 6 gallon carboy), could I brew up the same batch again (2.5 gallons) on a Wednesday or Thursday and essentially add it to Tuesday's batch to double it?  Is there an ideal time (if any) to add to the fermenting batch and a cut-off time where it just wouldn't be smart to do so?

Thoughts? Suggestions?
pikelakehomebrew.com
On tap: Oktoberfest, Belgian Dubbel, Peach Blonde Ale, Surly Furious clone

Offline bo

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Re: multi-batch, combined fermentation question
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2012, 10:21:27 am »
Why don't you just brew 5 gallons at a time. :D J/K

I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work and I don't really think timing is all that important. You just want to be sure and not splash it when adding it to the previous batch and even that is probably nothing to worry about.

Offline nateo

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Re: multi-batch, combined fermentation question
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2012, 10:58:32 am »
AFAIK, the main reason pro brewers do what you're talking about is that it simplifies yeast propagation. It's easier to grown enough yeast for 1bbl than 10bbl.

I don't see any particular problem with this. I'm a big fan of incremental feeding in general. I wouldn't aerate the subsequent wort you add. The yeast should be done growing by then.

I'm also time-poor, since I have to work 12+ hours a day, almost every day. I'm considering going back to extract and steeping grains just to get more brewing done.
In der Kürze liegt die Würze.

Offline edvinjonsson

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Re: multi-batch, combined fermentation question
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2012, 11:24:10 am »
I believe its called Drauflassen, and its a common practice in some breweries.

http://braukaiser.com/wiki/index.php?title=Drauflassen