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Splitting a batch


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#1 Poptop

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Posted 08 December 2014 - 02:07 PM

Hi All,Is head space a major factor if I were to split a 5.5 gallon batch between two 5 gallon better bottles? I don't really need or want smaller fermenters.

#2 BlKtRe

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Posted 08 December 2014 - 02:14 PM

Not in primary. If secondary then I'd hit it with some co2.I would also wouldn't let it sit around long after target gravity has been achieved in primary.

Edited by BlKtRe, 08 December 2014 - 02:15 PM.


#3 Poptop

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Posted 08 December 2014 - 02:22 PM

Thank you.

#4 Deerslyr

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Posted 09 December 2014 - 01:39 PM

Do you have a growler?  Because you could always put the extra in there, slap on a bung and airlock.

 

I use plastic buckets, and routinely fill them with 5.5 and sometime 6.  Will use a blowoff tube instead of an airlock.  Whatever doesn't fit in the keg will go into growlers with priming sugar.

 

Just an option.



#5 ChicagoWaterGuy

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Posted 09 December 2014 - 02:12 PM

I've been splitting German wheat beers into 2 fermenters. Too much blow off on a hefe.



#6 Poptop

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Posted 09 December 2014 - 02:25 PM

Seems that as long as I take precautions against oxidation I should be fine. I like the growler idea but I wouldn't want to tie up my 3 growlers.

#7 neddles

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Posted 09 December 2014 - 02:36 PM

I thought carbonating in a growler was a no no. No?



#8 Poptop

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Posted 09 December 2014 - 02:41 PM

I've heard that too but in my case I have 2 of the very heavy ones. I think they'd take the pressure very well.

#9 Deerslyr

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Posted 10 December 2014 - 09:05 AM

I've carbonated in a growler to no ill effect.  In fact, I was working with a Hefe a couple of years ago and timed the fermentation and kegged it at about 1.015.  I had a little over half a gallon extra and put that in the growler.  I let the growler go a few weeks longer than the keg (which was a quickie brew for a party) and the Hefe was probably the best beer I've ever made.  



#10 Poptop

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Posted 10 December 2014 - 09:15 AM

The only part of carbing in a growler that has me concerned is if the gasket can hold the pressure build up. I've contemplated taking a very light amount of honey and smoothing it on both sides of the gasket and on the rim of the growler before sealing the lid.This is obviously a no care when simply filling growlers for a social gathering etc....

#11 Deerslyr

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Posted 10 December 2014 - 09:40 AM

My growlers are not flip top, but are screw caps.  LHBS has replacement caps that work quite well.  I really don't see how it is any different than bottling, but maybe I've been lucky.  I've never had a bottle or growler explode.  The only major catastrophes that I've had have been during the fermentation process.



#12 Poptop

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Posted 10 December 2014 - 09:48 AM

I can imagine. Not much room for blow off. No room.

#13 Deerslyr

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Posted 10 December 2014 - 09:51 AM

I can imagine. Not much room for blow off. No room.

I've never used a growler for fermentation, but I've seen kits that do.  No, my major catastrophes have actually been around wheat beers in plastic fermenters.  I like to max out my fermenter, but then forget how vigorous they can be.  And let's not forget my failed use of plums.

 

Ok... enough of that.  Let's keep this thread on the tracks.  I think you have some viable options.  You just need to get a bung that would fit a growler if you went that route.  




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