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Expert: - 8/27/2006


Question
I just brewed an all grain Strong Belgian Ale.....My target O.G. was 1.09 I'm at 1.07....

What should I do to my wort in order to get close to the targeted O.G?

Thanks for your help

P.S. This is just my second attempt at an all grain recipe.....

Answer
A difference of .02 is great!  Keep in mind that the 1.09 is a target and not an exact measurement.  This means you have a 98.17% efficiency rate.  Anything over 70% is great for home brewing.

It is important to remember that many different things effect specific gravity.  
For example:
•   Temperature of the wort
•   Volume
•   The actual hydrometer and thermometer could be a little off.
•   Your grain could have be a little short
•   Your grain could be old.
•   The temperature of your mash.
•   The amount of mash water used.
•   Minerals and chemicals in the water.
Many of these you have no control over.  

If you really are concerned  you could test your hydrometer by using distilled water to check to make sure it reads zero and you can check your thermometer by placing it in a glass of ice water.  It should read 32 degrees F or 0 C.

I would just relax and prepare to enjoy your Strong Belgian Ale.  I imagine that you will get down to around 20 so you should have a final alcohol around 10.8%.  Very nice for a cold evening.

I hope this puts your mind at ease, if not write back and I will see what I can do.
Alan L. Ward

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Alan Ward

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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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