Small Batch Brewing

why small batches

Why did I decide to develop wine, mead, and cider recipes suitable for small batches. I define a small batch as one gallon. There are several reasons for this. As I started out on this adventure, it was evident that the availability and price of equipment was getting prohibitive for small at home brewing. If you live in a small town that does not have any brewing suppliers, you have the option of purchasing online or driving to the nearest suppliers. With the cost of gas being exorbitant now (greater than $2/litre in Canada), driving is a very expensive proposition. Purchasing online is the better option and enables you to access all whole range of brewing supplements at competitive prices, and shipping rates are very competitive. That is great for small packages of yeast, etc., but not practical for obtaining glass carboys, or equipment that takes a larger volume of space or is heavier.

I ended up spending some time on the local online classifieds, as well as on kijiji (local area) and found some new, never used 1 gallon glass jugs at $20 for a case of 6. That is less than 1/2 of the price of new at the brewing supply store an hours drive away. During my investigations, I found out that a local Mead producer with a small retail outlet in town, sold a limited selection of brewing equipment. I was able to obtain an auto siphon as well as some brewing supplements there.

Another reason I decided to go with small batches is that it is much easier to move and manipulate a gallon of must or wine as opposed to a 5 gallon glass carboy. I live in an old house and have limited space in the basement that I am ‘allowed’ to use for my activities. There is no water in the basement at the present time, so I must tote equipment and ingredients up and down stairs when I am working on a batch. Not only that but I am retired now, and the lighter quantities suite me just fine.

The final reason I would suggest, are that smaller batches allow me to try more recipes, with different levels and combinations of ingredients. I do not worry as much about a batch not turning out to my liking, because the downside is not as great.

Thanks again for visiting my substack. Have a good day.