One 5 gallon fv vs five 1 gallon DJs

[GB2014]

Hello, what difference does the volume make for fermentation? Is it better to ferment your brew all in one big container? Thanks

 

[clibit]

It's just less work. But 5 DJs allow you to experiment - hop teas, yeasts. Dat kinda ting.

 

[bugs]

Certainly easier to move demijohns - those 5 gallon fermenting vessels (screw top ones with 2 handles) are hard to move on your own - feels like an over inflated swinging sack between your legs! (carrying from the base may be easier).

Nice to be able to split up for experimentation - we've been doing several big 5 gallon drums and filling extra demijohns if there's enough over from a pressing. Let the big ones ferment naturally, but I experiment on the demijohns - different yeasts etc & will probably try some oak chips later down the line.

 

[GB2014]

Thanks, yes the 5 galloners are pretty heavy. As I am quite new using DJs also is safer, as well as allowing you to try different tweaks.

What about combining cider DJs into one FV, after primary fermentation? Is that possible?

 

[duncans]

Several smaller fvs will mean higher losses when siphoning out. Although it gives more flexibility.
Depends what you want, more beer or more choice.

Yes you can blend , just be sure they are all good batches. Taste them.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Nothing much to add but if you don't have much space 5 DJ's take up a lot of space and if you intend to rack for degassing and clearing you will need more.

 

[chewie]

I have 5 DJ's myself, i have 4 on the go at any one time, the 5th is used for racking to with the emptied one used for the next rack. Certainly yes for experimentation, if you find a recipe you like a lot though do a 30 bottle run in a FV its a lot less hassle.

 

[tonyhibbett]

5 gallons of must is less prone to temperature fluctuations and fermentation tends to be faster and less prone to getting stuck.

 

[bugs]

Good points on the racking waste and temp fluctuations - hadn't considered those two points.