Question on my efficiency... I followed directions to a T and used all the exact ingredients yeast and all (I used 11L instead of 10L crystal malt, does that matter) Ok. This was my 1st AG and I took my gravity like a noob... in the kettle when the thermometer showed 70 degrees i dropped my hydrometer in... it was looking like 1.040-1.041 accounted for the 10 degrees and added a point to bring it to 1.042 at the most... Now could my stupid technique have given me a false reading? Maybe it was hotter than that deeper down in the kettle? I should of used a hydrometer jar and should of taken the sample from the fermenter b4 adding yeast but was so bummed by my low reading I didnt bother. Do you think it will come out ok? Was hoping to brew a 5-6% abv for a family get together... looks like they will need to drink a 6 pack like BMC to get a decent buzz...
A second parter to this post: I am going to brew this again. I want to add 2lbs of pale 2-row to bring my gravity up... even if I mash efficient and hit 1.062 or something I dont mind... I want to add an oz of hops to make up for the extra 2 lbs... what hop should I use? Another cascade? Or something like a willamette?