I've only done four extract brews, and I've only measured the expected original gravity once. The other 3 were too low. The first two I know I didn't thoroughly mix the after topping off leading to a much lower gravity than I expected. However, I can't explain yesterday's brew.
Last night's batch:
American Ale extract kit from morebeer.com:
7lbs Pale LME
1lb Crystal 40L
1 oz Galena 60 minutes
1 oz Cascade 5 minutes
1 oz Cascade 1 minute
1 L WLP001 starter.
Instruction sheet is giving an estimate of 1.053, and Beersmith is giving an estimate of 1.051. I measured 1.042 at 60.5 *F.
Boil was 3 gallons, lost about 0.5 gallons to boil off/grain absorption. Topped off to 5 gallons. Shook vigorously for about 30 - 45 seconds. Used my auto siphon to take a sample.
What did I screw up? How do you guys hit your expected original gravities?
Last night's batch:
American Ale extract kit from morebeer.com:
7lbs Pale LME
1lb Crystal 40L
1 oz Galena 60 minutes
1 oz Cascade 5 minutes
1 oz Cascade 1 minute
1 L WLP001 starter.
Instruction sheet is giving an estimate of 1.053, and Beersmith is giving an estimate of 1.051. I measured 1.042 at 60.5 *F.
Boil was 3 gallons, lost about 0.5 gallons to boil off/grain absorption. Topped off to 5 gallons. Shook vigorously for about 30 - 45 seconds. Used my auto siphon to take a sample.
What did I screw up? How do you guys hit your expected original gravities?