Raising the ABV of a kit beer

[wgardner]

Okay I did a topic search but couldn't find much concise information on this...

With Christmas around the corner, I'm interested in making a brew that has slightly high ABV than your standard ale... I'm thinking around 5.4%-5.8% ABV.

What are the methods for doing this?

At a guess, I'd imagine:

- Adding more sugar/malt to the FV (say 1400g rather than 1000g)
- Adding less water to the FV (20 litres rather than 25 etc)

Answers would be appreciated since looking to make a brew this weekend

[boingy]

Use less water. Make 4 gallons rather than 5. You might want to consider changing the yeast too.

Adding more sugar just makes rocket fuel. It would fulfill your basic criteria of a higher ABV but you would not like the taste

[Dances]

Use less water. Make 4 gallons rather than 5. You might want to consider changing the yeast too.

Adding more sugar just makes rocket fuel. It would fulfill your basic criteria of a higher ABV but you would not like the taste

Spot on - I tried blindly just adding more sugar and whilst the result was still drinkable it was REALLY strong

My next attempt was as boingy said - less water and this was much improved although I didn't reduce by a full gallon, only 3/4