I apologize right now if this has been covered elsewhere. From what I understand, the extract late method is used to correctly attenuate hop additions due to volume-based gravity differences when using smaller than full volume boils (i.e. 3 gallon boils on a stovetop which will result in higher boil gravity and lower hops utilization, versus most recipes which are written for 5.5, 6 or more gallon boils). The reason for asking, other than just general knowledge, is that a couple extra dollars spent on additional hops is much less than a propane tank/turkey fryer/8 gallon stainless steel pot. At $2.00/oz. I could adjust hops additions for several years before it would equal the equipment upgrade.
My questions are:
1. How long before flameout to add 2nd addition of extract to have 2nd addition achieve hot break? Will it at all?
2. Will late additions of extract still achieve cold break?
3. Should hop additons, except for steeping additons after flameout, all occur before 2nd additon?
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. I have 4-5 gallon batches under my belt and I am looking to improve all aspects my new obsession.