Gravity check during fermentation?

[zaptop]

If I want to check the current gravity in my wort/beer during fermentation, is it okey to take a sample in a test jar(which is sanitized ofcourse) and check and then pour it back in? Is there a chance for it to be bad if you open the airlock or will it be totally fine?

Don't really want to ruin my beer for being curious.

 

[kh54s10]

It is best not to do so. Wait until all visibility has finished then wait another 3-5 days. I always wait 2 weeks minimum or more often 3 weeks before doing anything.

If you are REALLY careful with sanitation you could pour the sample back but why take the risk for a few ounces of beer.

 

[zaptop]

Ah, Okey thanks! Then I'll wait a couple of weeks

 

[khawk95]

It is best not to do so. Wait until all visibility has finished then wait another 3-5 days. I always wait 2 weeks minimum or more often 3 weeks before doing anything.

If you are REALLY careful with sanitation you could pour the sample back but why take the risk for a few ounces of beer.

I have done it. I never got an infection, but I decided it wasn't worth the risk. I dont do it anymore.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[day_trippr]

Patience is a huge virtue wrt brewing...

Cheers!

 

[Yooper]

You could, but why?

I guess what I'm saying is that I only take a reading or otherwise mess with my beer when I'm planning to do something. Say, dryhop it or rack onto oak, or bottle, or keg, etc. If you take a reading, and it's, say, 1.025 on day 5, that means absolutely nothing. You're not going to bottle, you're not going to dryhop, and you're not going to stick it in the fridge. The whole reason to take readings is to ensure fermentation is finished (or in the case of a lager, prepare for a diacetyl rest), so taking a reading isn't helpful at all if there is no reason for it!

 

[DurtyChemist]

If you still see air lock activity why do you want to check gravity?

I've never heard anyone suggest pouring a sample back into a fermenter. Its a sample and its a sacrifice to the brewer.

 

[khawk95]

You could, but why?



I guess what I'm saying is that I only take a reading or otherwise mess with my beer when I'm planning to do something. Say, dryhop it or rack onto oak, or bottle, or keg, etc. If you take a reading, and it's, say, 1.025 on day 5, that means absolutely nothing. You're not going to bottle, you're not going to dryhop, and you're not going to stick it in the fridge. The whole reason to take readings is to ensure fermentation is finished (or in the case of a lager, prepare for a diacetyl rest), so taking a reading isn't helpful at all if there is no reason for it!

Well said.



Roed Haus Brewery

 

[zaptop]

You could, but why?

I guess what I'm saying is that I only take a reading or otherwise mess with my beer when I'm planning to do something. Say, dryhop it or rack onto oak, or bottle, or keg, etc. If you take a reading, and it's, say, 1.025 on day 5, that means absolutely nothing. You're not going to bottle, you're not going to dryhop, and you're not going to stick it in the fridge. The whole reason to take readings is to ensure fermentation is finished (or in the case of a lager, prepare for a diacetyl rest), so taking a reading isn't helpful at all if there is no reason for it!

Well said indeed!