Test batches- whats size do you use

[jadk42]

Made some great brews over the last 18 months - also made some duds. Decided that I need to brew more batches of smaller sizes to refine technique and experiment. Id be interested in hearing what size others use for testing and can I still use my 25 litre fermenter or do I need a smaller one
David

[warra48]

I don't do test batches, because I've basically worked out what I want to brew, and don't experiment much beyond that.

However, I believe DrSmurto has done or does experimental batches. Maybe send him a PM ?

[Mariton]

I have a great little 12 L fermentor I use for my test batches.

It is also good for a quick two can brew (using one can made to 11L) or using the 3kg Muntons kits which come in two cans and you just use one of these.

Quick to bottle or if kegging corny's are available in half sizes also. I just bottled 11L of Muntons Imperial Stout from their 3kg kits. Tasted great out of the fermentor ....... now to make a larger version !!

[timmy]

I've made 8-12L batches for test batches and also because I couldn't previously do a full boil for AG.

Works out fine - a couple of things to be wary of:
- you might overpitch if using a full sachet (might not be a big issue but might give a slightly different taste to a full batch)
- you need to be extra accurate with your hopping (I bought one of those drug dealer scales so I could measure to a fraction of a gram)
- you'll probably lose a greater proportion to trub

[Bizier]

My test batches are 23L.
If results are bad, they either get termed 'punishment' or 'friend beer'.

[Kevnlis]

My test batches are always full size batches. Never made a beer I couldn't drink. Some take a bit of aging to come around, but they always do...

[Pale_Ale]

I'm a fan of smaller batches because my brewing outweighs my drinking (although I do drink a fair bit of commercial too).

I find that a 12L batch works fine in the typical fermenters. I don't rack when I do these smaller batches, it's really to test and tweak a recipe before going 'live' with a full batch.

[skurvy84]

in my last batch (grolsch clone/fake/nothing like the real thing).

i though i would try something different. about half way through bottling i bottled 4 stubbies instead of longnecks.
i did 2 brown bottles and 2 clear bottles. i've but 1 of each together and have put them away for 6mnths and 12 mnths time in a dark place. but test batches i can't really comment on.

how would you determine the amount of things for such a small brew? would you simply divide by 2 for a 23ltr to be brought down to 11.5ltrs and divided all the ingredients by 2 also? would be a bit difficult for a basic kit brewer i guess