I've now got two batches under my belt, but it seems as if I'm having a hard time reaching my intended original gravity. I think I should be reaching 1.045 but it seems as if I'm barely scraping 1.03. Being new to the brew process, I need some help troubleshooting this problem. I've come up with possible reasons in my head. I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts/insights. Thanks.
Am I not boiling the wort long enough? (I still have residue from the hop pellets after the boil)
Am I boiling the wort too long? (Maybe too much boils off and then I'm adding too much water at the end to make up for it)
Could it be because I'm using tap water and not bottled water?
Is it my pot (it's one of the lobster pots with a porcelain enamel finish)
Am I not boiling the wort long enough? (I still have residue from the hop pellets after the boil)
Am I boiling the wort too long? (Maybe too much boils off and then I'm adding too much water at the end to make up for it)
Could it be because I'm using tap water and not bottled water?
Is it my pot (it's one of the lobster pots with a porcelain enamel finish)