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Adding water before bottling
So, I just bottled my second attempt (a holiday ale) tonight. It went much more smooth than the first batch, but as I realized, I still have a lot to learn. My beer was very strong flavored and thick looking, but not in a bad way. Almost like I didn't add enough water..... uhoh. Seems I did not top off to 5 gallons before I pitched the yeast : ( so now I am left with a strong brew, which isnt a bad thing.
Since I was about a gallon short, I wanted to add it once I racked to the bottling bucket, but my roomate talked me out of it saying I would mess it up. Would it have been possible to add water right before I bottled? I think I will start making a check list for the next time I brew. sheesh
Once the fermentation is complete, adding water is just going to dilute your beer. Your FG will be a little lower too. It won't really hurt your beer, but it won't be as strong as it was.
If this were mine, I would add 1/2 gallon just to dilute it a little. Don't worry too much. Just learn from this and top your fermenter to 5 gallons next time.
I in the past have made many batches that I have not added to 5gal after boil etc all turned out well If you do add water before bottleing would consider boiling it prior to adding due to the potential for contamination...in fact you could just boil your priming sugar in a larger volume and ad asyou would for priming.
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