Fullerton

Recipes 

This is my second batch. I did not use a hydrometer on my first batch (I didn't want to take "unnecessary" risk the first time out).

In any case, what is the proper method for taking a FG reading from the primary? Should I pour it into a glass or siphon it? I didn't know if disturbing the sediment on the side of the carboy would be an issue or not. One of the biggest things I read about is sanitation so I'm leary about putting anything in contact with the brew. Thanks.

Bob

Recipes 

Get a wine thief or a standard turkey baster. Sanitize thoroughly.

I presume you got a sample flask (looks like a graduated cylinder) with your hydrometer...? Over the sink, use your thief of baster to fill the sample flask two-thirds full. Drop your hydrometer into the sample flask and give it a spin with a flick of the fingers. Spin several times to de-gas the sample. Read the meniscus and record the result, correcting for temperature if required.

Easy!

Bob

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Yooper

Recipes 

Don't pour it! You don't want to aerate or stir up the sediment. They sell things to help, like a wine thief. I still just use a sanitized turkey baster, though.

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Broken Leg Brewery
Giving beer a leg to stand on since 2006

Fullerton

Recipes 

Thanks. I'll use the turkey baster.

knowltonm

Recipes 

Hm, I pop the lid, drop in the sanitized hydrometer and spin it...no ill effects yet.

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Primary: 20 min IPA (14oz cascade/5gal), partigyle pale
Secondary: Mead
Bottled: Orange Cream Ale, Big Red Ale, RIS, American Stout, Nut Brown Ale, American Amber Ale, Brown Porter

Bob

Recipes 

You can do that. However, the word carboy in the original post might be a clue as to how that solution isn't exactly appropriate.



Bob

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http://www.reconstructinghistory.com

knowltonm

Recipes 

crap. overlooked that one.

__________________
Primary: 20 min IPA (14oz cascade/5gal), partigyle pale
Secondary: Mead
Bottled: Orange Cream Ale, Big Red Ale, RIS, American Stout, Nut Brown Ale, American Amber Ale, Brown Porter