- What’s your usual batch size?
My batch size varied quite a bit, but I did a lot of 0.75-2.5 gallon batches while I was in chicagoland.
- Why do you brew small batches?
limitation of space, left my equipment in storage. Was drinking it by myself (Plus the occasional bottle to club meetings).
- Do you brew, extract, partial mash, all grain?
All grain, biab with batch sparge.
- What’s your basic process? I.E., BIAB, tiny cooler (
), just stir in the extract, etc.
Biab at maximum volume set to 4 gallons. Run off ratio generally 4:1. Pulley + bag. Induction +BIAB is an awesome small batch setup.
- Do you have a favorite piece of equipment that you like to use especially for small batches?
BIAB bag? Induction burner? Consistency is a lot harder with small batches, are your boil off rate will play a much large role than in 5 or 10 gal batches, so I measure my volumes using an accurate stainless ruler. 0.01g accuracy scale for hops, minerals, etc. Refractometers are a god send here as well due to practically no loss of wort.
- If you’ve brewed larger batches how would you compare the two in terms of effort? Time? Equipment needs? Recipe consistency?
Consistency is a a good deal harder when you get below 2 gallons. Equipment is much cheaper, you can get a 4-5 gal pot for $20 that’s induction ready.
- What am I missing that should be known about small batch brewing?
I had some huge issues with packaging/siphoning and bottling. I could not for the life of me figure out a way to get a good siphon going without oxidation. I settled on tubing + stainless T barb fitting and a hose clamp (similar to the “$3 auto siphon” thread at HBT).