Fermentation OK?

[bowlersp]

So I brewed up a porter with Danstar Windsor Ale Yeast 4 weeks ago. Starting BRIX was 16. I checked today and it is reading 10 BRIX. Is this ok? Is it not really gonna ferment any more? I put that data into a refractometer caclulator and it is reading a little under 6% ABV.

https://www.brewersfriend.com/refractometer-calculator/

The yeast was about 3 months away from expiration and I kept it (for the most part) refrigerated.

My question is should I pitch some more yeast in it to bring up the alcohol content? The OG was supposed to be around 1.068 and FG is supposed to be 1.018.

Thanks!

 

[mredge73]

You need to pick up a hydrometer to get a better reading post fermentation.
You have a ton of yeast in there now, adding more will not do any good. If this is an extract batch you are probably at your correct FG.
If you want to try to get a little more out of it you can rouse the yeast (gently stir, no splashing, do not add oxygen) and/or raise the temperature a few degrees.

 

[Biscuits]

You cannot measure FG-accurately-with a refractometer, you need a hydrometer. However, there are calculators out there that adjust refrac. readings to account for the presence of alcohol...however IMO the only way to kow for sure is a hydrometer.

 

[Devin]

What mredge73 said.

I have had problems with Danstar Windsor yeast stalling in the past. And you can do just fine with a refractometer as long as you account for the alcohol (which you are doing). Another thing that I have done is kept a log for my early brews where I compared hydrometer readings with refractometer readings (adjusted for alcohol) to check accuracy of the calculator.

 

[bowlersp]

Thanks for all the posts. I figured i was pretty close to FG and pitched the bourbon and oak cubes after they soaked for 2 days.

Honestly not too worried about exacts since its just homebrew.. i am just getting use to using the refractometer and the calculators that go along with them.

At this point if they can get me close to OG/FG i dont really see the need to use hydrometers anymore.