Brewing a smaller batch, do I need a smaller fermenter?

RayOhm · Post by **RayOhm** » Sun Aug 07, 2011 11:36 pm

My first batch will be ready to bottle in about a week. Ive been wanting to brew another batch soon but I don't want to brew another 5 gallon batch, I want a smaller batch.

My plan was to brew a 1.75 gallon batch (12 12oz bottles hopefully). I'm wondering if I need a smaller fermenter? I have a 6.5 gallon 'Ale Pail'. I don't plan on transferring to a secondary. Will there be too much air in the fermenter? ie Will the risk of oxidization be greater?

Essentially I want to brew more often, just in smaller batches.

phat matt · Post by **phat matt** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:12 am

I think you will be fine as long as you keep the air lock on until its ready to be bottled. Once it starts fermenting the co2 will push out any oxygen. Than just leave the air lock so you dont introduce any oxygen and you will be fine.

bufordsbest · Post by **bufordsbest** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 10:45 am

fermentor geometry will play a role in the yeast profile of the beer. I've never really done comparisons to see the magnitude of the difference but you should just keep it in mind.

icemachine · Post by **icemachine** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 11:43 am

I'd take a look on kijiji for 3G carboy's, great for doing split batches or smaller experimental ones too.

RayOhm · Post by **RayOhm** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 11:57 am

thanks guys.

I have one more question. I have dried yeast packets, since I'm doing a smaller batch do I still add the whole packet?

phat matt · Post by **phat matt** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 3:43 pm

for that I would go to mrmalty.com and use his yeast pitch rate calculator. Also just remembered that I have done 2.5 G batches in a 6G carbouy without problems.

bufordsbest · Post by **bufordsbest** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:15 pm

yeah use the yeast pitch calculator on mr.malty. also, don't forget to rehydrate the yeast before pitching.