There are folks on this forum that insist that hydrometers are evil................
I'm with the OP, although I think I might want to start taking a FG eventually, especially with PM recipes, I usually just let the beer go and taste it at every step and it always turns out fine...
As well as those who insist that not using them is evil...........
I say to each their own. Do what you're comfortable with. Me, I use 'em all the time.
same here I don't take an OG due to only using extract with steeping grains. You always hit your OG when using extract kits I believe. I do take a FG to make sure it is done fermenting. When I start going PM or AG then I will take an OG and see if I have to add any DME to make up for my low efficiency.
I am baffled by this statement. It just simply doesn't make sense. Hear me out, I am confident you make good beer regardless but how do you know what is "done" without taking readings? Now I know you can just wait it out 10-14 days and rack or bottle. But when you take your OG & FG this not only lets you know that fermentation is complete but also lets you know the attenuation percentages etc. This is very vital information for a brewer IMO.
I like to know what I have created, the little details are what counts.
Make no mistake about it though, send me some of your Beer and i'll drink it.
I think that he means that he just uses the anticipated OG, X amount of extract in Y amount of water will give you Z for an original gravity.
-ander
I am baffled by this statement. It just simply doesn't make sense. Hear me out, I am confident you make good beer regardless but how do you know what is "done" without taking readings? Now I know you can just wait it out 10-14 days and rack or bottle. But when you take your OG & FG this not only lets you know that fermentation is complete but also lets you know the attenuation percentages etc. This is very vital information for a brewer IMO.
I like to know what I have created, the little details are what counts.
Make no mistake about it though, send me some of your Beer and i'll drink it.
also, i frequently forget to add the irish moss- like, in my last four beers
I only used AHS kits and 1 BB so far and the instructions give you an OG so as long as you dilute the concentrated wort i.e extract with the recommended amount of water you will get the OG or come very close to it. Now I do take FG and compare it to the instructions to make sure it is done after 2 weeks in the primary then I keg. And yes if you have a pound of LME and 1 gallon of water the gravity will equal X also with DME. With PM and AG I will take an OG because I need to know if I should boil longer to reduce the gravity or add DME to bring it up. Hope this makes sense
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