All grain OG too low (here we go again)!

[moshmont]

I just got done brewing a wheat beer & I missed the original gravity target by 7 points!
The target OG is 1.045 & my result was 1.038.
I still don't seem to understand how this will effect the final product.
I know it means I didn't extract enough sugar from the grains, but what is gonna be the results from it?
Should I add some DME to the fermenter or just let it go.
If it means low alcohol, I can live with it & be able to drink more, but if it'll make a ****ty beer, then maybe I should just try again.
Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[buzbey]

You'll have a lower alcohol percent and a little lighter body but you'll still have good beer! I do gravity readings pre boil so I can see how my efficiency was. And if don't hit where I want I add some dme to get me where I want to be.

 

[Yooper]

The difference a .007 miss is that the beer will have .8% lower ABV. Otherwise, the beer won't be noticeably different.

If your typical OGs are a tiny bit low like that, simply adjusting your recipes up by a little will fix it.

 

[moshmont]

Well, I feel a whole lot better.
What I'm doing is a small batch (1 gallon) as if it were a larger one.
I made a small 21/2 gallon mash tun & I did a fly sparge with it. I don't know if with such a small amount makes it more difficult, but it's a lot of fun trying to go by the book!

 

[buzbey]

What temp did you mash at?

 

[buzbey]

Whoops wrong forum, dismiss that question