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Fist time bottling
I just bottled my first batch and, although the batch contained 5 gal, I only had enough for about 45 bottles. The instructions said that it should fill 54 bottles. Did I do something wrong or is this typical. I also have noticed some sediment in the bottles. Again is this typical? Is there anything that I can do to reduce the sediment or is it just part of home brewing?
The whole "5 gallon" thing is normally just an estimate. If you made exactly 5 gallons of wort you won't get that much out because when you rack you'll be leaving some behind in the fermenter (along with the yeast cake). If you rack twice you'll lose even more. Also, depending on your headspace you could have a difference of a bottle or two per batch. As far as sediment goes that's normal. If you used a secondary fermenter you'll have a little less than only using a primary. Just be sure to pour your beers into a glass and keep the sediment in the bottle (unless, of course, you like the taste of it).
This is why I always sacrificed a few gravity points and filled my fermentors with 5.5 gallons of water. When using kits I was happer to have 2 cases worth of beer, than lossing 10% of the starting gravity points to dilition with the extra 10% water (0.5 gallon).
Once you start formulating your own recipes you can make them for what ever you want. I frequently brew 8 gallon batches just because I know that with losses this gets me 5.5 to 6 in the fermentor.
Sediment in the bottles is the norm for bottle conditioned brew at home. You can limit it by doing a secondary "ferment" or let it sit longer in primary to get more to settle out. Using a second fermenter at temps below fermentation range is the best way to clear the beer a bit more.
Make sure to leave proper head space.
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