Big-J2000
Active Member
I need a little help deciphering a refractometer reading. My current batch is a Brewer's Best Belgian Tripel kit. Before I pitched, the reading was 1.080 (was supposed to be 1.083). When I transferred to secondary it was 1.043, and today it's still sitting at 1.043. I know the reading isn't accurate during fermentation, so I downloaded MoreBeer's refractometer spreadsheet to give me an accurate gravity reading. But when I entered the numbers it tells me I have an OG of 1.004 and an FG of 1.007 
As an aside, I did use a hydrometer for the first two readings (1.078 and 1.024 respectively) to compare with what I was getting on the refractometer. I didn't use one on the last reading due to the fact that I split the batch in two (1 gal racked onto some mangoes... just because) and lost about 3/4 of a gallon in the process (auto-syphon was clogged by me accidentally dropping it in the cake). Add to that the fact that because I get small draws out of the carboy with my wine thief, I didn't want to leave it exposed for too long. So any help on how to properly and accurately read a refractometer is much appreciated! Thanks a mint!
As an aside, I did use a hydrometer for the first two readings (1.078 and 1.024 respectively) to compare with what I was getting on the refractometer. I didn't use one on the last reading due to the fact that I split the batch in two (1 gal racked onto some mangoes... just because) and lost about 3/4 of a gallon in the process (auto-syphon was clogged by me accidentally dropping it in the cake). Add to that the fact that because I get small draws out of the carboy with my wine thief, I didn't want to leave it exposed for too long. So any help on how to properly and accurately read a refractometer is much appreciated! Thanks a mint!
