6.2% Brix, is that possible?

Let me first say that I am not new to AG brewing (since 1997).

Yesterday, I brewed Yooper's AG Oatmeal Stout and added cocoa powder (paste) to the boil.

After chilling, I got a 6/2% Brix reading from my new refractometer. I did not take a hydrometer reading as I checked the conversion after cleaning up.

I mashed for 90 minutes and did a 60 minute boil per Yooper's instructions, but based on the conversion, I got nothing in the way of potential alcohol in the wort.

So far, about 18 hours and not noticable activity in the airlock.

Besides the refractometer being off and it is brand new, or me being totally stupid and not able to read the chart, how can I do this?

I would open it up and take a hydrometer reading to confirm what the refractometer is telling you.

I just did a hydrometer reading and now its right on the money and in synch with Yooper's numbers: OG 1.052. The Brix was only at 11.8. I need to think this over as the conversion is not right. I calabrated the Refractometer, maybe I just need more practice with temperature equations.

Brix of about 12.0 is about right for a 5ish ABV beer. Should finish with about a 6.0 Brix.

Try the numbers here.

thanks for the info. Seems to be on target now. Must have been operator error

Tastes like chocolate beer now. Think its gona be awesome.