Tiny Test Batches

[John Sand]

I have tried several split batches with different yeasts, usually a four or five gallon batch split evenly. And I've only tried 04, 05, and Nottingham against each other. But I have been thinking, what if I try Belle Saison in a Pale Ale, at ale temps? And other craziness. I did do a one gallon test of unidentified hops, and considered more one gallon tests.
Today I made a one pint test. The high FG BrewDemon batch in my other thread had one bottle left unprimed to see if it dropped. It didn't, and my original plan was to prime and condition it. But I haven't tried a repitch, and I have an open pack of Belle Saison. So I aerated it and sprinkled a little on top. This is an IPA, I'm hoping the BS yeast will drop it down some, and give me an idea how it works in the 60s. Now I'm thinking that any other eccentric tests may be tried on this level, a pint or so in a liter PET with a pinch of yeast. I won't brew tiny batches, just siphon off some from a 5g. What do you think?

[mtsoxfan]

You, sir, are a madman...

[John Sand]

[mtsoxfan]

Just don't start drinking from a thimble...

[Foothiller]

I have done similarly for several test batches, like comparing ingredients or testing recipes before committing to make a full batch. One series of test batches over a few months was interesting, in comparing yeasts. I used the same simple recipe throughout, with pale DME, some crystal malt to make it interesting, and Goldings hops. As I used yeasts in various recipes, I took 2 grams of the 11 gram package of dry yeast for the test batch with 3 quarts of wort in 1-gallon glass jugs from apple juice. Just changing yeast made these test batches produce very different beers, and 8 bottles per 3-quart batch is enough to compare them side-by-side without a lot left over.

In some future tests to get familiar with various ingredients, I'm seeing if 1-quart batches can work, since I really won't need more than 1-2 bottles to see how a grain or hop tastes, with everything else held constant. It's a bit of work, but the point is to learn the ingredients rather than to make beer for daily drinking.

[mashani]

I have never done anything under 1 gallon. I salute you.

[Brewbirds]

If you can find a copy of Zymurgy Vol. 36 May/June 2013 you may be interested in an article titled Nonmashing: Exploring Specialty Grains.

The author does several mini brews in pint sized mason jars.

[John Sand]

Thanks!