Freezing off extra volume

KingKlong · May 19, 2013

Has anyone ever done this, and can possibly give reason for doing so or not? I ask because my last batch had less than expected grain absorption, and I didn't have enough time to boil off as much as I would have liked. So would it make sense to eliminate some volume going into my keg by freezing it in the fermenter? Any input is appreciated. Especially if the method has a name.

Brewmex41 · May 19, 2013

Look up freeze concentrating. It's how they make eisbock beers and beers like Natural Ice.

uxo · May 20, 2013

You should boil it on the stove for 60 mins. At that point you could throw it into the fermenter or save for a yeast starter.

DrunkleJon · May 20, 2013

Usually the freeze concentrating is done post fermentation. If your OG is near where your target is, I would suggest just fermenting it all out if you have the space and deciding afterwards. Otherwise you may have troubles with sanitation (the point of rapidly cooling is not only for cold break, but for giving the yeast as much advantage to take hold before anything else can).

Just my $0.02.

broadbill · May 20, 2013

how far are you off? Sometimes the best thing to do after a mistake is just move on.

KingKlong · May 23, 2013

I've roughly got a gallon too much for the keg to hold. I'm dry hopping right now, and am planning to try and freeze that off before transferring. From what I have read now, this is eising the beer. Correct?

Brewmex41 · May 23, 2013

Keep in mind that you're removing water, not alcohol. If you start with 6 gallons of 5%, and freeze off a gallon, you'll probably be close to 5.8-6% of 5gallons

KingKlong · May 23, 2013

Yeah. I realize that and it should bring me back to what i was targeting abv wise. OG was 1.054 instead of 1.066. My efficiency was good though at 76%. I'm actually looking to do this not only to fit into my 5gal keg, but also to get the kick I was looking for.

uxo · May 23, 2013

Bottle it.

KingKlong · May 23, 2013

Fug that! I just got my kegging system and this is only the second beer to put in it.

uxo · May 23, 2013

lol. I meant bottle what doesn't fit into the keg.

Brewmex41 · May 23, 2013

I think he means bottle the extra gallon.

Brewmex41 · May 23, 2013

uxo said:
lol. I meant bottle what doesn't fit into the keg.

Oops I didn't refresh the page before reading this.

KingKlong · May 24, 2013

While I appreciate the input, I still want to try something new. I tend to do so each time I brew.

Freezing off extra volume

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