Adding water to compensate for high OG

[TacoGuthrie]

My last 2 brews I have had a higher OG than I would've liked. Some of this is because I'm still getting a handle on my system with only 3 AGs under my belt.

So this weekends brew the OG came in at 1.080 instead of 1.069. Some of that is efficiency some of that is boil off.

My (first) question is about calculating how much water I can add to lower the gravity.

What are the calculations I can make so that I can take a 5G 1.080 wort down to a 1.070 wort by adding water? Or if you turn it around, how will adding 2 qt or a gallon of water affect the gravity of that beer?

I would like to know these calculations ahead of time so I can adjust my beer with some control.

 

[dcp27]

(Current OG / Desired OG) * Current Volume = Desired Volume

80/69*5 = 5.8gal

 

[TacoGuthrie]

That is exactly what i was looking for. I can use the variables in that equation and play around with them next time to adjust.

Thanks!

 

[hlumbard]

Now if I ever have this problem I'll know what to do! My problem is I'm under my gravity target.

 

[dcp27]

Now if I ever have this problem I'll know what to do! My problem is I'm under my gravity target.

((Desired OG - Current OG) * Volume) / 46 = lbs sugar to add

you can sub 30 for maple syrup, 32 for honey, 36 for molasses, or 43 for DME, whatever is your preferences for adjusting. we can't be having not even alcohol now can we

edit: just realized had it backwards

 

[hlumbard]

Of course! Those are the gravity points per pound. I've seen that chart in one of my books, along with the points of various malts etc....

Thanks for that!

 

[dcp27]

No problem. BTW, just realized I had an error in that equation, but it's fixed now

 

[steveh01420]

That is still awesome, glad you guys are here... Thanks

 

[atimmerman88]

I missed my gravity by 10 points yesterday, would I be safe to use the above equation with sugar tomorrow to try and compensate ?

Or is it not worth it at the expense of flavor change ?

 

[dcp27]

depends how far off you are and the style. personally i'd just let it ride or use DME instead of sugar (unless its an IPA or belgian)