I used to brew all the time 10-15 years ago. Then a divorce, two moves, a career change, and... well... life... all kind of took over. But now I'm back!!!
I've never brewed all-grain batches, but that is all really all I've ever wanted to do. So I am in the market to buy a new Brew Kettle. The first question I've had to ask myself is... do I want to pony up for a 15 gallon kettle right out of the gate, so that I will have the peace of mind of knowing that I won't have to "upgrade" later... or should I just keep it simple and modest with an 8 gallon kettle for 5 gallon batches, so that I can still use the buckets, glass carboys, and the few things I do still have from back in the day?
This is honestly less of a question about money, and it is less of a question about storage space, and even less of a question about the inconvenience of having to possibly upgrade later. I am basically only really interested in hearing what you guys think about 5 gallon batches vs. 10 gallon batches. To anyone who has ever brewed more than 5 gallon in one boil... can you please give me your opinion on the matter?
Did you think things like...
- This batch is okay... but now I've got 10 f****** gallons of a "just-okay" beer.
I've already drunk 7 out of the 10 gallons over the last X months... I am so sick of this beer, I wish I had only brewed 5 gallons.
Managing 10 gallons of any liquid, transporting it from this kettle to that kettle and into these fermenters etc... just moving it... 10 gallons really does create a hell of a hassle. I should have maybe just done 5 gallon batches, and brewed two batches.
Those are the thoughts that I've been wondering might come to be.