The Anvil Foundry 6.5 is limited in the volume of wort produced. This is OK for small scale batches/testing, etc.
However, I was wondering, is it possible to do a concentrated batch in the Anvil Foundry 6.5 and top up with water in the fermenter to reach the desired gallons? Had the idea as I recall doing similar with malt extract batches when I began brewing many years ago.
Anyone done?
Anyone have any input or url links with Anvil Foundry 6.5 concentrated batch info?
Thanks.
I have not done this, but I do have an Anvil Foundry 6.5 (and a 10.5), and have some thoughts.
The short answer is that yes, you could do a concentrated batch and then top up. But…there are some caveats.
One thing to consider is that mash efficiency is reduced as you get higher gravity / more grain. So, you might get 72% mash efficiency for 5 pounds of base malt, but 60% efficiency for 10 pounds of base malt (hypothetical numbers). There is a point of diminishing returns, and so you might be limited in batch volume and gravity. You’ll likely have to play with your system to find your numbers. It will depend on your malt crush, as a major variable.
Depending on your target gravity, one option might be to mash with a reduced amount of water, and then sparge. This will give you better efficiency and more wort. Then, you could top up in the fermenter.
Another option is to mash, and then add some extract to get up to your desired concentrated gravity.
Either way, if you have not looked into the various advice around concentrated boils, definitely review that, because you get funny things happening with IBUs, flavors, and such when you boil at a concentrated level and dilute. (but it is doable with some planning!)
Good luck!
Of course. You can do that with any system.
Denny,
Care to elaborate for this specific situation (Anvil 6.5 with a recommended max of 8 lbs of malt).
Thanks
I don’t use that system, so I can’t be too specific. But basically you just brewers high an SG as your system will allow, then add water to hit your desired OG. Not too technical. I often do it if I overshoot my OG due to boiloff or unexpected efficiency.
Denny,
Do appreciate the reply. Thank you!
Wish I could be more specific, but it’s kinda one of those “how long is a piece of string” things.