So I brewed the Bourbon Barrel Porter 2 weeks ago. Now normally my effeciency is in the lower 60s (batch sparging) so to compensate I’ll add 2lbs of base malt. Well I ran the grain through the mill at N. Brewer two times and my effeciency shot up to about 75%. Problem is that I added the 2 lbs of base malt and my original gravity was 1.072, when target was 1.065. Beer smith says that this beer will be around 7.5 - 8% alcohol BEFORE i add the bourbon (with oak). I would like this beer to be closer to the 6.5% alcohol as the kit intends. Has anyone ever added additional (pre boiled) water to a beer that was done fermenting in order to drop the ABV down to its intended?
I wouldn’t add water post fermentation.
I wouldn’t worry too much about the higher ABV either. Now its closer to an imperial bourbon barrel porter, which is better in my opinion. The added bourbon won’t up the ABV very much. I bet you’ll like it.
