Beer Specific Gravity?

[STStunner]

Is there any way to test the specific gravity of beer without a beer thief and test jar? I have the hydrometer, just not the beer thief or test jar that usually goes along with it. Putting the hydrometer down into the beer fermenter just causes it to sink to the bottom.

 

[flars]

Did your hydrometer come in a plastic tube? It is designed to be your sample tube. Use a sanitized turkey baster or sanitized cup, if using a bucket, to draw a sample.
Key is to be sanitary.

 

[freisste]

Is there any way to test the specific gravity of beer without a beer thief and test jar? I have the hydrometer, just not the beer thief or test jar that usually goes along with it. Putting the hydrometer down into the beer fermenter just causes it to sink to the bottom.

Is it a 1 gallon batch? It shouldn't sink, but it may float too low with a small amount of beer.

 

[STStunner]

It's a 2-gallon batch. I have the plastic tube.

 

[SavaShip]

You might be happier using a Refractometer. Here's a video on how they work from Northern Brewer!

 

[STStunner]

I think you're right. I'll have to purchase one of those before the next batch. It looks like they make testing a lot easier with far less of a risk for contamination.

 

[nicklepickles]

be careful with a refractometer. Fine for any pre-fermentation readings, but once alcohol is involved, getting a solid reading is a total crapshoot.

 

[duboman]

be careful with a refractometer. Fine for any pre-fermentation readings, but once alcohol is involved, getting a solid reading is a total crapshoot.

+1 even with proper brix conversion they may be off a few points

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[fearwig]

If you are sick of wasting your hydrometer sample, you can heat it to 170F or above and return it to the beer. Not something I'd mess around with for a 5-gallon batch, but I can see the concern with smaller amounts I guess. I'm sure some people will balk, but it does not impact the flavor negatively.

I prefer to have a little taste, though.

 

[Terry_Plow]

If the hydrometer is sanitized, what's the harm of just putting it in the bucket for a reading (if you use a 5gal plastic fermenter)?


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[rodwha]

I do, but it does open the door however slight.

 

[Terry_Plow]

A thief/baster/spoon/test tube being dunked in your beer is just as likely to contaminate, right?


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[freisste]

If the hydrometer is sanitized, what's the harm of just putting it in the bucket for a reading (if you use a 5gal plastic fermenter)?


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I do this every batch. And the fact that I do it makes it good practice.

Write that down.

 

[Terry_Plow]

I do this every batch. And the fact that I do it makes it good practice.

Write that down.

Nice

 

[fearwig]

If the hydrometer is sanitized, what's the harm of just putting it in the bucket for a reading (if you use a 5gal plastic fermenter)?


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No harm, but you usually have to swish away the krausen a little before you can get a reading, and if it's in peak fermentation you're not going to be able to do that. But then I don't see a point in taking samples during peak krausen, so, yeah.