A Question About No-Chill, Top-Up Water and Gravity Readings

[derekp83]

First, let me explain that I actually top-up my no-chill brews. That is, I boil a gallon or so of wort, whirlpool, pour it all in a no-chill container, and top-up with cold water. In this case, it's a 2.5 gal cube (but I squeeze another quarter gallon inside it).

My question deals with a lower than expected gravity reading. I intended to have an OG of about 1.069, but multiple readings fell in the window of 1.050 to 1.056. Is it possible that even after 12+ hours of no-chill, the wort did not mix evenly? I would assume that the wort would mix evenly after half of a day, but maybe I'm wrong. Any ideas? My recipe fermentables for a 2.75 gallon batch included:

4 gallons of Muntons IPA Bitter pre-hopped LME
11 oz of Pale Ale DME
4 oz of Crystal 40
4 oz of table sugar

 

[RM-MN]

Simple answer, the concentrated wort does not like to mix with top off water and can stay separated for days without agitation.

Simple experiment. Fill a clear drinking glass with water, then add a tablespoon of honey. See how long it takes to dissolve the honey into the water. That emulates the concentrated wort mixing with top off water.

 

[derekp83]

Simple answer, the concentrated wort does not like to mix with top off water and can stay separated for days without agitation.

Simple experiment. Fill a clear drinking glass with water, then add a tablespoon of honey. See how long it takes to dissolve the honey into the water. That emulates the concentrated wort mixing with top off water.

I might try that. I think the solution to my process, other than mixing it all really well once in the fermenter, is to take a hydrometer reading from some of the wort at the bottom of the no-chill container next time.

Your point might also explain my inconsistent gravity readings. I was getting between 1.050 and 1.056 over and over again.

 

[RM-MN]

When you are brewing with extract, the amount of sugars present will be documented and you can just calculate the expected OG. As long as you use the correct amount of extract and water you can't miss.

If you start with all grain brewing, then you can miss but since you won't be topping off the wort it will be mixed well enough to use your hydrometer or refractometer to get the OG.

 

[NGD]

I might try that. I think the solution to my process, other than mixing it all really well once in the fermenter, is to take a hydrometer reading from some of the wort at the bottom of the no-chill container next time.

Your point might also explain my inconsistent gravity readings. I was getting between 1.050 and 1.056 over and over again.

Just remember that if the no-chill wort is still really hot it may screw with your reading. Also stir it up a bit prior to taking a reading just to make sure your DME etc are probably mixed in.

Use this to calculate the volume you need to add and you should be set. If you get multiple weird reading then either your not properly mixed or somethings wrong with your testing device.

 

[derekp83]

Just remember that if the no-chill wort is still really hot it may screw with your reading. Also stir it up a bit prior to taking a reading just to make sure your DME etc are probably mixed in.

I take my readings the following day, when it's cooled down to room temperature.