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Beer/hydrometer readings

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Expert: - 8/3/2007


Question
When and at what temp do you take hydrometer readings both the first and the second ? After the priming sugar or before ?

Answer
Daryl,

You can take a hydrometer at anytime.  While a hydrometer is calibrated usually for 60 degrees there are tables to convert from all most any temp.  I usually take a reading all through the mash process to check my run off.  Here is a URL to an easy to read chart I have made that shows the adjustments needed for temperature ranges http://www.clanward.com/brewery_files/pdfs/HydrometerTemperatureConversionChart....

The most important readings to take are just before you add the yeast and brew vigor.  This will be your original reading.  The second most important reading to take is just before adding the bottling sugar.  This will be your final reading.  I am sure you know that by using the following formula you can get your alcohol content by volume: (O.G.-F.G.)/8=ABV

You could take another reading after being in the bottle but you will need to do more math to adjust for the bottling sugar to get your actual drinking F.G. but I find that the minor difference is not worth the effort.

I hope this has helped.  If not please feel free to write back and I will be glad to help.

Alan
(Life is to short to drink bad beer!)

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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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