[dbeechum]

I wrote about it last year, but the thing that I did to solve my "not enough variety" complex was to do funny things to the different batches of wort. Think multiple yeast pitches on a much, much bigger scale.

[euge]

I have done 10 gallon all-grain batches for years.  Lately I have been doing 5 gallon partial mash batches because of both time constraints and as a way to test out new ingredients and formulate new recipes that I don't feel like brewing 10 gallons of if I don't like them.  To the last point I have been thinking about going even smaller like 2.5 gallons and brewing a few batches of the same thing and only changing 1 or 2 variables in each one.

Still, I have more fun going big!  (when I have the time)

I wrote about it last year, but the thing that I did to solve my "not enough variety" complex was to do funny things to the different batches of wort. Think multiple yeast pitches on a much, much bigger scale.

This^^^

I'm not mixing yeast yet, but am varying them up as well as playing with hops. The malt stays the same. Take the yeast out to 2-3 generations and move on to a different strain after I feel like I got my money's worth. I too have made large batches and struggled to drink both kegs. Sometimes have to drink it all by myself and contemplated dumping the beer because of sheer boredom and disgust. Was into small batches last winter and made some really nice beers that I regretted not having more of, but- have the recipes for replication!

[dbeechum]

Here's a recent example of what I did:

http://www.maltosefalcons.com/recipes/bugged-out-oats

Same wort - half chilled at boil straight into a carboy with ECY BugFarm.

Other half was kept hot and dissolved the new Candi Syrup D-90 into the remaining wort - chilled and pitched with French Saison yeast.

2 radically different beers, one brew session.