Brewing Efficiency

[ZenFitness]

The last couple batches of beer I have made have been off by 15 - 20 points of gravity from the recipe. I know the first of these was because I miscalculated swapping a 10 gallon recipe for a 5 gallon batch. However, that was not the case on the last one, although I did measure out the grain bill to the exact amount (instead of adding a little to compensate like I have done in the past).

Thus, a couple questions:

1. How would you adjust the grain bill used vs. a recipe to compensate? I've always winged it a little bit here, but I would like a more procedural-based method if possible.

2. I fly sparge (FWIW), and I think I do everything correctly. Is there a list of things to check for efficiency?

This last beer did okay being slightly watery, but I really want to get this nailed down. TIA!!!

 

[aeviaanah]

Look into brewing software. I like beersmith but there are free alternatives to get you going. Brewtoad.com is one i know of but am unsure of any others. Google free brewing software. The software will allow you to enter actual data and after a few brews you get the software fine tuned.

Be sure you are measuring your water accurately and cooling your wort sample to hydrometers recommendation. Usually 68 degrees i think?

When I marked my buckets I used water by weight to determine the markings...

 

[RM-MN]

Are you milling your own grain. Getting grains that are already crushed for you leads to some disappointing brew days when someone changes the setting on the mill.