Canned Extract

[av8rbrad]

Got a question.
I have a can of extract that will make 6 US gallons. Can I use half for a 3 gallon batch and let the other half of the extract sit in the fridge for a week or 10 days, and use it then for another batch?

I know you got an answer for me BeerKing!

[av8rbrad]

Your input is still welcome although I went ahead and did it. I know it's Sunday, but usually you guys are quicker to respond! :D I put the rest of the extract in a tupperware container in my fridge and split the supplied yeast as well. It too is in a container in the fridge now. Should be ready to use it in a week.

By the way, it is freakin hot out here!! Cold beer should help.

[Mill Rat]

I brew AG mostly, and when I do extracts I usually use DME since it does not create the very scenario you find yourself in. I would not worry about a week in the fridge, since you'll be boiling it before you use it for the next batch. If you're not fermenting yet, I'd recommend that you consider pitching all of the yeast into the present batch. Then brew up batch number two when you're ready to move today's batch out of your fermenter, and then toss the next batch right on top of this batch's yeast cake. Then compare the results you get on both batches and see how the large yeast supply will improve your results.

[av8rbrad]

Now that is a solid idea. Unfortunately I have already gone ahead and pitched. Do you think I should make the next batch on top of the cake and add the rest of the yeast? Or should I just sanitize and make it again?

[beerking]

Brad,

Just got back from the National Homebrew Conference in Cinci. Great time! On club night, we had 612 kegs (at least 5 gal each), for 1000 attendees! That is over 3 gal of homebrew per person! :eek: Needless to say, we did not drink it all, but we sure gave it a good effort. :D

Rat has a good suggestion. I would add that you should go ahead and add the rest of the yeast now. It will not hurt the current batch, and will probably help both the current and next batch. I doubt the week in the fridge will hurt.

Also, I would have made a single 3 gal batch with the one can. Would make a great beer. (Of course, this assumes you can get another can soon.)

The suggestion of using dried extract is best. I recommend ~6# for each 5 gal batch, which means you should use at least 3#, and more probably 3.5# in a 3 gal batch.

[av8rbrad]

Sounds like I missed a good get together in Cinci. I have already lined up my first three events back home real soon.
Good idea about pitching the rest of the yeast but now we are 16 or so hours in and it is moving quickly. My blowoff tube is having a hard time with it. I think our big problem was our greediness which caused us add to much water. We brought the level up way to high.
I did make a 3 gal batch with all the ingredients for 6 gal batch once, but since we are not to interested in high abv,(Rule #1..always be able to find the bunker);) just interested in having more to nurse on, I decided to split it up. Hopefully it will not be to light and thin.

Thanks guys