I’m still an extract brewer that does partial boils (2.5 gallons) on 5 gal batches.
My question is would I expect to experience a difference in quality in my brews if I went to a full boil (using a propane burner) vs. the partials?
I understand how in AG this would perhaps be more important - just not sure if it’s relevant for extract brewing…
you’ll get better hop utilization & lighter colored results. less chance for the sugars to scorch. I recommend full boils. it’s also a great small step toward AG, IMO.
I also noticed a significant decline in that syrupy extract “twang”. Just remember that any steeping of grain still needs to be done in 2-3 gallons of water or you will leach tannins.
“Just remember that any steeping of grain still needs to be done in 2-3 gallons of water or you will leach tannins”
This is not true, you will not extract tannins with more water volume. The ph will be off but not in a dedrimental way.
Full boil means better hop utilization for sure. Use all instructions otherwise applicable, but boil 5 gallons and top off to 5 gallons post boil, or determine your boil off rate and add that much more water to the pre boil. Steeping grains should still be held at 150f to 160 F for more than twenty minutes to get the better result - you will then be just a step away from adding some base malt to the steeping grains to get enzyme action of all grain!
I personally think full boil is best way to do extract brewing, but I only do three or four extract batches a year anymore since beginning all grain brewing a few years back.
Good luck and good brewing!
Well, tannin extraction is what I was told my my LBHS. Either way, when I used a higher volume of water to steep, my beer was tannic and very bitter. My advice is to steep in a smaller volume.
