1st gravity reading

Just took my 1st gravity reading after 9 days in the primary!! This is my 1st attempt
at homebrewing!! It's an Amber Ale from Midwest. Gravity reading is 1.014!! I definitely drank my sample and it was pretty good but seem watered down. Is this because it's not carbed up yet? I hoping that I didn't add to much top off water. Any comments?

Yes, until it is carbed up it seems watered down.

What is the best practice for obtaining fg readings in a primary-only situation?

To reduce oxidation, infection, etc.

Sanitize, obv. But if active fermentation is finished and you open Carboy stopper everyday for a few days to taste/obtain gravity, are you not risking introducing too much oxygen to the beer?

I have my Belgian ale at 2.5 weeks In primary and really want to taste/check grav.

But I have a feeling this might be my first really good homebrew and really don't want to screw it up now.

You can gently take your SG readings with a sanitized turkey baster or wine thief without any greater risk of oxidation. Just don't splash or stir the fermenter while it's open and you're taking the reading.

If you are fermenting in a bucket sanitize the hydrometer and your hands and spin it right in the bucket.

beerman0001 said:

If you are fermenting in a bucket sanitize the hydrometer and your hands and spin it right in the bucket.

Click to expand...

+1 I do the same