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Beer/hydrometer reading
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Question
hi i purchased a beer making kit from my local shop having followed all the instructions to the letter i have now reached the stage of taking a reading with my hydrometer. the instructions state the the reading should be 1006 but my reading is 1012 how do i achieve the 1006 reading? your reply would be greatly welcomed
Lee,
I have a few question that will help you resolve your problem.e
1. Did your original gravity match their estimated OG?
2. Have you checked to see if your hydrometer is accurate? (test with sterile water at 60 F. It should read zero.
3. Have you allowed for a temperature difference? Don't forget the the hydrometer is accurate at 60 F. You will have to add or subtract points if your temp is above or below.
A reading of 1012 is not bad. In fact a FG of 1006 is low. Most of my FG read around 1012.
If your really worried about it you could add some brew vigor and let it sit another few day. Or if it is still bubbling you could just wait a few more days and hope.
I would not worry about the 6 point difference. Usually FG's are estimates. The final out come is effected by many things from temperature, sugar content and yeast. The 6 point difference will neither make or break the batch. As long as your are over 3% you will be fine.
I hope this helps and puts you at ease.
Alan
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Answers by Expert:
Alan Ward
Expertise
I am a home brewer who has been brewing since 2000. For us brewing is a family activity with everyone helping in some small way. We brew mostly all grain batches, but we do some kits. I have built all of our equipment. We bottle and keg. Drop us an line, we will be glad to assist with answer or help you find where the answer is. In October 2008 we opened the Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School at the Texas Renaisance Festival. This is a unique brewpub and teaching facility located on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Texas. To our knowledge we are the only functioning brewpub located on the grounds of a renaissance festival brewing using both period specific equipment and modern equipment to brew hand crafted ale and then serving it back to the public. Where we offer hands on training and live period appropriate all grain brewing through out the day. Drop by and we will be glad to answer any question you have. You can checkout the brewery at www.brigadoonbrewery.com or follow on twitter@brewschool.
Experience
Home brewing since 2000. Started with a Mr. Beer kit and worked our way up to all grain.
Former chemistry and physics teacher.
Education:
Bachelors Arts Teaching; Master Instructional Technology
Currently the Managing Member and Brewmaster for Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School.
Organizations
Master Brewers Associaiton of America
Texas Craft Brewers Guild
American Home Brewers Association
Brewers Association
Education/Credentials
Bachelors in Sports Medine from Sam Houston State University
Masters in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University
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