BeerSmith Efficiency Question

[IchLiebeBier]

Folks,
I’ve been scratching my head about this one, and I just can’t figure out what I did wrong with BeerSmith 2.

Yesterday, I brewed Jamil’s Saison Recipe and the only thing I changed was to add 3.8oz of acidulated malt. I didn’t lower the Pilsner amount to compensate, so my expected OG, according to BeerSmith, was 1.066. This was based on 5.5 gallons being left at the end of the boil.

In my profiles, I used 70% for my mash efficiency to try to keep the expected numbers in line with Jamil. In the end, I collected right at 7.6 gallons of water with a gravity reading of 1.042. BeerSmith said that at 70% I should be at 1.048 with 7.54 gallons (at least, I think that’s at 70% in the software). However, when I put in my actual readings, BeerSmith said my mash efficiency was at 60% (not brewhouse).

So, to double check it, I put this information in Brewer’s Friend Mash Efficiency tool. I got an efficiency of 68%-ish.

So I proceeded with the boil and added a pound of sugar, as is called for in the recipe. But the strangest part was that when I finished the boil, with 5.75 gallons (before cooling), my refractometer showed 1.077 as my OG (target 1.066). This could have been due to the refractometer, but I’ve never been that far off before. Maybe the sugar made it read higher? I didn’t use a hydrometer to check it (although I should have, but I figured I’d be able to track down where I messed something up).

Any thoughts on either issue (mash efficiency being low in BeerSmith, and OG reading high)?
Thanks.

 

[Gavin C]

Folks,
I’ve been scratching my head about this one, and I just can’t figure out what I did wrong with BeerSmith 2.

Yesterday, I brewed Jamil’s Saison Recipe and the only thing I changed was to add 3.8oz of acidulated malt. I didn’t lower the Pilsner amount to compensate, so my expected OG, according to BeerSmith, was 1.066. This was based on 5.5 gallons being left at the end of the boil.

In my profiles, I used 70% for my mash efficiency to try to keep the expected numbers in line with Jamil. In the end, I collected right at 7.6 gallons of water with a gravity reading of 1.042. BeerSmith said that at 70% I should be at 1.048 with 7.54 gallons (at least, I think that’s at 70% in the software). However, when I put in my actual readings, BeerSmith said my mash efficiency was at 60% (not brewhouse).

So, to double check it, I put this information in Brewer’s Friend Mash Efficiency tool. I got an efficiency of 68%-ish.

So I proceeded with the boil and added a pound of sugar, as is called for in the recipe. But the strangest part was that when I finished the boil, with 5.75 gallons (before cooling), my refractometer showed 1.077 as my OG (target 1.066). This could have been due to the refractometer, but I’ve never been that far off before. Maybe the sugar made it read higher? I didn’t use a hydrometer to check it (although I should have, but I figured I’d be able to track down where I messed something up).

Any thoughts on either issue (mash efficiency being low in BeerSmith, and OG reading high)?
Thanks.

There is a thread in my signature below which might be of use to you. It covers how to correctly measure mash and brewhouse efficiency. Sounds like you may have some wires crossed in your understanding.

Disregard as needed.

 

[doug293cz]

Your numbers don't add up, so you either have SG measurement errors, volume measurement errors, or both. With significant measurement errors any efficiency calculation will be totally bogus.

Brew on

 

[brandonnys]

I use BeerSmith 2.0 for my brewing and I've not had an issue with the efficiency calculator once I dialed in my equipment profiles.

My guess would be the refractometer reading. I only use hydrometers, knowing full well that they are a bit more of a hassle, but it's just my preference. I've been thinking I should get a refractometer, but I've seen a lot of forum posts recently where people are way off on some number and everyone questions the refractometer reading. I've never had my hydrometer give me a bad reading.

FWIW.

 

[jmark]

One thing to ask... how did you determine the pre-boil gravity reading of 1.042. What I've found is that even with solid stirring, the gravity isn't accurate, so I what I do now is wait until I've got a rolling boil going, wait for a couple of mins, turn the element off and then take my pre-boil gravity and volume measurements. The boiling action ensures the wort is mixed well.

 

[IchLiebeBier]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

Gavin, I'll take a look at it when I get a chance. Looks like good info.

Doug, that's what I'd say, too. But I double checked the volume, and I have both a marked kettle and a marked measuring stick, so I'm pretty sure the volume was right. I double checked the gravity, too, and I've historically hit 65-68% efficiency when I was using any wheat.

Brandonnys, I'm new to BS. I used BrewPal for a few years and ALWAYS hit the numbers. So I'd say the efficiency issue is something I'm missing in the software setup. I may just go back to BrewPal. It's pretty simple to use. As far as the gravity, I just can't figure how it would be fairly close at the start of the boil, and so far off at the end, even though the volumes matched the expectations. I'd say it was the refractometer. I know honey throws it off. Maybe the sugar did too.

jmark, I measured it after stirring it around a bit. I imagine you're correct, but in this case, the only way I'd hit the final gravity I got would be to start high (meaning my efficiency would probably be above 80%). I doubt I'd get that from the mash. I have never gotten over 75%.

My money is that something in the wort threw off the refractometer. I bet my OG wasn't as high as I thought. Next time, I'll use a hydrometer to compare it.

Thanks again.