PistolaPete
Well-Known Member
I usually brew extract w/ grains or partial mash and use the Hopville calculator to estimate my OG for 5.5 gal batches. I start testing the OG after I fill the fermenter up to 5.25 gallons and dilute more if my the OG is still too high. I've been pulling out samples to read the OG since the bubbles in the fermenter seem to to be attracted to my hydrometer and make it hard to read. I dump the samples to avoid infection and if I do this 3-4 times I am dumping around 24-36oz of beer just to try and hit my target OG.
1) Is there a better way to hit your target OG than what I'm doing? Maybe one that doesn't waste as much beer?
2) This is a seperate but related question: How much variation in OG does it take to be noticed? (I would guess it has to at least go from 1.050 to 1.055 to even notice any flavor or mouthfeel differences but please correct me if I am wrong!)
1) Is there a better way to hit your target OG than what I'm doing? Maybe one that doesn't waste as much beer?
2) This is a seperate but related question: How much variation in OG does it take to be noticed? (I would guess it has to at least go from 1.050 to 1.055 to even notice any flavor or mouthfeel differences but please correct me if I am wrong!)