Gravity is not dropping to what I was expecting, what should I do?

[Mahonroy]

Hey guys,
I recently made these 2 recipes I found on this site:

Rye Saison:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f71/how-rye-i-am-rye-saison-2011-1st-place-best-show-hbt-comp-238831/

Hoppy American Amber:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f66/hoppy-american-amber-malty-american-pale-ale-145402/

I am using a refractometer to take gravity readings. I was able to get to the original gravity numbers for both recipes, but my final gravity does not match.

For the Rye Saison its supposed to be 1.004, but mine is at 1.023 (has been this same gravity for 10 days... and currently has been in the carboy for a total of 30 days).

For the Hoppy American Amber, its supposed to be 1.015, but mine is at 1.031 (same as above... has been this same gravity for 10 days, and has been in the carboy for 30 days total).

Also, both beers smell and taste great. One thing that I was thinking was if it was possible my refractometer is not calibrated correctly (e.g. reading too high).... though this would be bad since I matched the original gravity reading with it. I just don't know.

I figured I would come on to the forum to get some advice on what you think? I guess a question is, should I bottle it, or let it sit longer, or something else? And why do you think I can't get the correct final gravity? Thanks and any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[balrog]

Are you correcting the refractometer for alcohol present? I thought refractometers were only used during mash, before any alcohol.

 

[Hello]

Did you aerate your wort and make a starter as indicated? What are the temps of each?
Be sure to use a hydrometer to test after your fermentation starts.

 

[Yooper]

The refractometer is used preboil, but if used after alcohol is present the reading is skewed.

There are some calculators to adjust, but I've never found one that is really accurate. Some swear that Sean Terrill's is the closest.

Anyway, run and take a hydrometer reading and that will be the correct FG.

 

[Mahonroy]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies! You are absolutely correct... I did not realize I had to correct my gravity readings...

I just now used this: http://www.brewersfriend.com/refractometer-calculator/

I typed my OG and FG values into it, and sure enough, the corrected final gravity matches the recipe exactly. Time for bottling!

Thanks!