split a kit 4 ways?

[mattwilson]

So I have a kit I want to add some different things to flavour wise. As they can all be added to the bucket, is there any reason not to start in 1 fermentation bucket, and after a few days split into 4 airlocked demis?

[Dabooka]

Well I can't think of any reason why not, and I'll be watching this thread to see the common consenus; I hope to do just as you suggest myself, in particualr to make up a coffee stout in a few brews time, as my stout drinking pal hates coffee but I want to have a go at one!

The only problem I can see is getting any addiitons through the neck of the demijohn.

[tazzymutt]

So I have a kit I want to add some different things to flavour wise. As they can all be added to the bucket, is there any reason not to start in 1 fermentation bucket, and after a few days split into 4 airlocked demis?

I've split kits two ways a couple of times by mixing, pitching and then immediately transferring half of mix to a second FV. I don't see any reason why splitting it a day or two into the fermentation should not work (take care not to introduce air at that point).

Happy brewing,


Ian.

[mattwilson]

Good to hear guys. I've put the kit on and pitched the yeast. The additions will be 1 demi with a vanilla pod and some rum soaked raisens. The other with cardamom pods, the third will be adding some liquid malt extract from Holland and Barratt. I'm thinking I will wait a couple of days to get the initial mad bubbling to die down then syphon into 3 demis. The final 2 galls ill leave in the tub, I assume this will be ok?

I'm a trial and error kind of guy with some educated guesses based on previous brews, so I think the recipe should work out a treat;

The kits a Geordies winter warmer short brewed to 23 liters. I added 200g malt extract and 150g black treacle, and a cup from a pot of fresh ground coffee.

I'm pretty impatient and try not to get scarred off by researching too much...will update with pics and tastes a bit further down the line.

[Dabooka]

My plan was to split the brew when I'd typically transfer to secondary, but I appreciate it's not everyone's MO.

For that reason I wouldn't have any to left in the primary FV, but for some (possibly irrational) reason I wouldn't want to leave a couple of gallon on top of the yeast cake left over from a full batch anyway. I'm sure a more informed opinion will be along soon!

Please do keep updating the thread.

Dabooka

[WalesAles]

My plan was to split the brew when I'd typically transfer to secondary, but I appreciate it's not everyone's MO.

For that reason I wouldn't have any to left in the primary FV, but for some (possibly irrational) reason I wouldn't want to leave a couple of gallon on top of the yeast cake left over from a full batch anyway. I'm sure a more informed opinion will be along soon!

Please do keep updating the thread.

Dabooka

Hello Dab,
Transfer all your brew to FV2. Rinse and sanitize FV1. Rinse again. Transfer 1/2 of brew from FV2 back to FV1.
Then do what you want with both FVs.
Wa

[Dabooka]

FV1 will (hopefully) have my next kit in it!

[WalesAles]

FV1 will (hopefully) have my next kit in it!

Hello Dab,
You could always invest another FV! Or get one of these, great for split brews.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-1-x-15-Li ... 1204280579

Hope this helps!
WA

[Dabooka]

Ah, that bonny little bucket could be a good idea, espeically if I can figure out how to get two into my fridge.....

Yes,l I like that a lot

Cheers!

[mattwilson]

^ coincidentally those buckets are exactly what i've got, and plan to use for this brew.i set it off and have decided on the below...fingers crossed they all turn out well enough to get a full size version of each. I will wait for the vigorous fermentation to stop and then split 3 ways;

2 Gallon with a handful raisins soaked in 75ml Dark Rum
2 Gallons with 2 vanilla pods
1 Gallon with 2 cardamom pods (any input here would help...i have black and green pods from India...i head black are stronger and smokier, green better for a cola/medicinal/slight root beer flavor - certainly don't plan on too much flavor here, I don't want to end up with a beer mouthwash......or do i?)

[Geezah]

Personally I would rehydrate the yeast in a tsp of malt and 1 pint of warn water.
While that is doing its thing I would make up the kit in a FV then split it to the 4 dj's and add whatever hop teas etc you plan on.
I would then share out the yeast starter between all 4 fv's.

Dry hopping in a DJ is a pain, but not impossible, you just have to 'work your siphoning' to secondary / filter / bottle

[mattwilson]

Split the kit today, the initial mad froth had settled down, so i split the kit into 2 x 2 gallon demijohns, and 1 x 2 gallon bucket with lid (they hold about 2.5 gallons so not much left over in the original tub - had to accept i've lost 3/4 bottles in the swap, but I figure I get 3 differant ales for the effort).

All bubbling away nicely

I added -

Cardamom Ale - 1 green lightly toasted cardamom pod to the demijohn, along with half a mug of cardamom tea (with 5 crushed toasted pods steeped and add to the demi) & 100g treacle

a handful raisens and 2 vanilla pods split in halv, soaked in 75ml dark rum - I then added the rum, raisens and 1 vanilla pod to the demijohn

I left the 2 gallon as is, its a Geordie Winter Warmer with treacle and extra malt extract - a nice kit i've had before so left as is.