Are initial S.G. #'s usually lower than post boil #'s

This is probably a noob question. Is it typical to see lower numbers going into the boil pot than coming out of the pot? I suspect that with boil off of water the numbers do increase. Typically how much of an increase can one expect.

Thanks.

Salute!

You're right. Boil off increases the SG.

I don't have a ton of experience yet, but I generally see about 10+ points increase. For example, I brewed an ESB Friday, pre-boil SG was 1.044, after boil OG was 1.055. That seems to be the norm.

If you get a program like Beersmith, it will tell you the estimated Pre and Post Boil SG.

Edcculus said:

If you get a program like Beersmith, it will tell you the estimated Pre and Post Boil SG.

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I have BeerSmith, but obviously, I overlooked this function. I printed out the recipe, but in my hast, I did not see it on the sheet. I will be more observant in the future. Thanks for the feedback.

Salute!

It's not hard...if you have 6.5 gal @ 40 pts, then if you boil it to 5.5 gal you will have 6.5/5.5 * 40 pts = 47 pts.

bmckee56 said:

I have BeerSmith, but obviously, I overlooked this function. I printed out the recipe, but in my hast, I did not see it on the sheet. I will be more observant in the future. Thanks for the feedback.

Salute!

Click to expand...

I don't think BeerSmith lists this on the recipe itself. You have to preview/print the "BrewSheet." This is printed instructions on how to brew the beer. Also, the numbers will only be accurate if you know (and tell BeerSmith) what your pre/post boil volumes are (ie how much you expect to boil off). Obviously, there are several variables including the length of the boil (60-90+ min), how hard the boil is, and the size/diameter of the pot.