Help..Starting Gravity to High

[ngordon34]

So I just finished brewing an IPA and was suppose to have a starting gravity reading of 1.065. I almost always check a reading right before the end of boil so that I can adjust if I need to. For my last few brews my volumes have been spot on.. so figures this time when I don't check, my final volume going into my primary was almost half a gallon short! My actual reading was closer to 1.072 if not a tiny bit more.

I also took my gravity reading with the sludge that was in the bottom of my boil kettle since I didn't take a sample sooner will this affect a reading?

Also I plan on dry hopping, should I just go with it and have the bigger ABV or can I add water now before fermentation activity starts and drop it down closer to what I wanted! Thx in advance!!

 

[RandallFlag]

You can add water to lower the gravity or just run with it.

RDWHAHB

 

[ngordon34]

Thx for the fast reply- Would bottle water be ok or should i boil and cool before adding.. Either way I believe it will turn out fine but would like to bring it down a bit if Its not going to contaminate or cause any issues

 

[RandallFlag]

You can add water just like you're topping up. I've never had any issues. Others on here might recommend being a little more cautious but I would just let 'er rip.

 

[RandallFlag]

I think the general formula (from HBT) works like this:

(Current OG / Desired OG) * Current Volume = Final Volume

So for you, assuming that you currently have 5 gallons, 1.072 to 1.065 would look like this, for example.

(72/65) * 5 gals = approx 5.4 gallons into your fermentor

Hope that helps.

 

[DurtyChemist]

Either add water or drink less of a higher alcohol content beer. Two very good options. Maybe this one tastes better if you made it with an extra lb of grain and this becomes a test for that. Maybe it's too good and too strong and gets blamed for a lot of lazy weekends.