First Timer with a Question

[levandr]

So I brewed for the first time today. When it came time to take the initial specific gravity reading, the reading came out off...1.035. The kit calls for 1.052-1.055. It's a German Oktoberfest kit.

Is this bad? What did I do wrong?

 

[Flyin' Lion]

Temperature plays a part as well. You need to adjust the the gravity reading to the temp. of the wort, you should have a chart with the hydrometer. If you were taking the reading and the wort was 60*then you are all right, otherwise you should adjust for the temp.

One other thing that could affect the SG is the amount of water added, did you add any extra (was this a five gallon recipe and you maybe topped off to 5.5 gallons)?

EDIT: this is not bad, just a little lower in ABV. RDWHAHB

 

[david_42]

If this was a typical extract kit, poor mixing is the most likely problem. People get worried about oxidation and don't stir enough. Just before pitching is the ONE time that more oxygen is a good thing.

Relax, all of the sugars are actually in the fermenter and the yeast will find them. Hydrometers are much more useful for deciding the ferment is done.

 

[levandr]

Thanks all for the responses. It sounds like the only problem will be lower alcohol content so not realy a bad thing for my first batch.

I did correct for temperture so that's not it.

I did stir again for a few minutes before pitching the yeast so I should have enough oxygen in the fermenter.

I don't think I added too much water. The 5 gallon line on the bucket was hard to see through and I had some foam sitting on top. If anything, I was at maybe 5.1 gallons instead of 5. For the next batch, I want a glass carboy and that will solve this issue...but I promised the wife that I wouldn't buy anything else until I brewed at least 1 batch.

 

[Flyin' Lion]

Thanks all for the responses. It sounds like the only problem will be lower alcohol content so not realy a bad thing for my first batch.

I did correct for temperture so that's not it.

I did stir again for a few minutes before pitching the yeast so I should have enough oxygen in the fermenter.

I don't think I added too much water. The 5 gallon line on the bucket was hard to see through and I had some foam sitting on top. If anything, I was at maybe 5.1 gallons instead of 5. For the next batch, I want a glass carboy and that will solve this issue...but I promised the wife that I wouldn't buy anything else until I brewed at least 1 batch.

Before you buy glass, read up on Better Bottles. They are lighter and less dangerous if you have to move your fermentor very far. Some swear by their glass carboys and some prefer the Better Bottle, you will need to determine which is better suited to your needs. I personally have one Better Bottle and would rather use that than glass.

 

[levandr]

Before you buy glass, read up on Better Bottles.

I'll look into it. Thanks for the tip.

 

[thenatibrewer]

my wife said the same thing....of course i had 10 gall. brewed before i got to taste any product, just tell her relax and have a homebrew when it is ready . hydrometers are over rated IMHO. do the best you can and there is a great possibility you will have a great product to share with your spouse and friends. but be very careful this hobby is very addicting. oh yah one more thing go glass!!!!

 

[aholla1]

We are just brewing our first batch of beer and we did not mix it up before checking the gravity. I has been in the fermenter for 1 day - should I mix it up now and check the gravity or just hope for the best?

Thanks

 

[johngaltsmotor]

Also, note that with a glass carboy you'll need a wine/beer thief in order to take a hydrometer reading (unless you have REALLY long, REALLLLY skinny fingers to get the hydrometer back out
I've considered dropping it in and leaving it for the entire ferment to make it easier to keep track but afraid the krauzen will stick and dry on it and weight it down, thus affecting the reading.

 

[ICWiener]

I has been in the fermenter for 1 day - should I mix it up now and check the gravity or just hope for the best?

Just let it go man. At best you'll get your reading, but at worst, you'll infect your batch. Just take a mental note and remember to do it next time.

As for the whole glass carboy vs Better Bottle debate...It's all personal preference. Are you a klutz? Buy Better Bottles. Are you cheap? Buy glass, because you'll rarely find used Better Bottles on Craigslist.

 

[AlCophile]

Before dropping it in, do it on a test container(a Blank), cause the h'meter can sink like a little torpedo!
I've done this, and, if you are veeeeerrrryyyy careful, you can remove the h'meter by sucking the neck up into a piece of tubing, but, please, don't blame me if it fubars.
Two more: be sure that the h'meter's weight is not made of a poisonous material, (like lead); if SG is 'off', take a reading of pure water at 60 degrees for comparison.
Also, you should record the location of the paper scale inside the neck to see if the paper scale has shifted.