Pitfalls of scaling down?

[jramsey]

I have read so many books on AG brewing it is starting to get frightening. But, one topic that I do not come across is scaling down the recipies for (obviously) smaller batches.

Since my storage area for beer is fixed, the only way to have more variety is to brew smaller batches.

SO, THE QUESTION:

Assuming accurate measurement of ingredients, does brewing small batches, say 2 gallon, present any unique problem?

 

[fbsf]

I've done 2-gallon batches before, and they have come out nicely - but you do need to be more accurate the smaller you go. Digital scales are a must especially with hop amounts as these need to be measured to the gram if you want to follow a recipe precisely.

Of course, if you are only after making great beer, then it'll probably be fine regardless - it just may not taste exactly as the recipe states, so it might be hoppier/maltier or lighter/darker than intended.

 

[jramsey]

I have access to calibrated electronic scales. So thank you for the encouragement, and advice.

I am rollin's now!

 

[fbsf]

Go for it, but keep us posted on your exploits and photos (hosted on something like Flickr or photobucket) are always more than welcome!

I started out on half-sized batches (I wanted to do more variety than bulk), but quickly moved to full size as it doesn't take much extra time/effort to do a full 5 gal rather than a 2 and found it quite a lot of work for 18 pints of beer. Saying that I have space to store the brews so that wasn't so much of an issue for me.

 

[PD]

use the softwear like Brew Mate (free on line.) put the recipe in for the amount it says...than adjust the amount to what brew you want to do and the weights and volumes will alter accordingly...

 

[Duncs]

Assuming accurate measurement of ingredients, does brewing small batches, say 2 gallon, present any unique problem?

YES! You have less beer than a bigger batch

I scale down recipes down to 15 litres as I only have a 19 litre boiler. I've yet to come across any problems other than weighing out things wrong, now I have digital scales it's not so much of a problem. I use BrewR on my phone to scale the recipes down.