Why Brew Small Batches

Small Volume = Big Fun

This article was written for the
American Homebrewers Association
https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/a-big-idea-on-small-batch-brewing/

4 Benefits of the Small Batch Brew

1. It’s cheap. Whether or not you have any brewing supplies, the cost of equipment is reasonable and the ingredients for 1-gallon batches start around $10-$15, depending on the style. Also, less energy is needed to heat, boil and chill wort compared to larger volumes.

2. Small footprint. With smaller equipment, most everything can be stored on a closet shelf or under a bed when not in use. During the brew day, the entire process can be conducted in a 2 to 4-gallon pot, freeing up the rest of your stove and kitchen to make dinner, or better yet, another homebrew. Fermenters are roughly the size of a 1-gallon water jug, and will fit nicely on a shelf or tabletop.

3. It’s fast. It takes minimal time to bring 2 to 3-gallons of liquid to strike temperature and boil. Chilling is also significantly faster, and can be sped up by using your freezer. The smaller scale of the entire process also creates a much more manageable mess to clean.

4. Low risk. Whether you’re a newbie testing the waters of homebrewing, or a seasoned veteran looking to get experimental, the low cost of ingredients will allow you to brew adventurously. After all, if your franken-brew comes out questionable, you only have about ten 12-ounce bottles to choke down instead of a few cases.