Expert: Spencer W Thomas - 3/20/2009

Question
When I tested for sugar in my beer, it was too low - 1.02.  I tested the beer after it had cooled to 70 degrees and had added the rest of the cold water to it.  What could have happed to make it so low?  This is my first time brewing.  Thanks, Julia

Answer
I assume you are making an extract brew.  Most likely what happened is that you didn't stir the water in well enough before you took your gravity reading.  So when you took your reading, most of the sugar was still on the bottom.  Unless you don't use enough extract, it's pretty much impossible to not reach your sugar target with an extract recipe.