Splitting the boil

[Notlaw]

I think I have actually read this before; probably on here, but is it acceptable to split your boil into two batches?

The reason I ask is that I am planning on making a cool box mash tun that will probably produce about 20l, but my biggest pot (currently) is only 13l. So could I boil in 2 batches of 10l, adding equal hops to each at appropriate times, then stick both in the same FV?

I won't normally be making bigger batches, but I want to make a decent size batch of an Oktoberfest beer some time in the next couple of months.

 

[cheapbrew]

I effectively did this yesterday, had my main 15L pot full and had few litres spare in another pot on another ring to top up as it reduced, but I could have done two smaller batches in two pots and then combined them.

 

[clibit]

Yeah it's fine. You can use different hops in each and make two different beers, if you have two FVs.

 

[Notlaw]

Yeah it's fine. You can use different hops in each and make two different beers, if you have two FVs.

Oh yeah... I didn't think of that. I've got about 10 10l buckets with lids that I cadged off the jam factory over the road from my work. I could loads of experiments into finding what hops I like then... :thumb:

 

[Slid]

Oh yeah... I didn't think of that. I've got about 10 10l buckets with lids that I cadged off the jam factory over the road from my work. I could loads of experiments into finding what hops I like then... :thumb:

This sounds like a fair plan to me, too. Two mashes, sparges, boils and cool-downs in one day is going to take some juggling.