Higher OG with less Extract?

[zackattack784]

So my first brew is just finishing up fermenting and I already have my next two batches planned. The next batch will be the Dead Ringer IPA. That kit uses 9lbs of lme and has a target OG of 1.064. My next planned brew will be a Nugget Nectar clone from my local hb store. That kit uses 8lbs of LME yet has a target OG of 1.071.

I was under the impression that more extract = a higher OG, though I'm certainly a noob so maybe there's something Im overlooking? Can anyone explain this to me?

 

[FatDragon]

Are you sure the local kit is LME and not DME? DME has higher potential per pound than LME, so that could make up part of the difference. Another possibility is that the LHBS kit includes an addition of simple sugars - i.e. corn sugar, table sugar, invert syrup, honey, etc. Yet another possibility is that these kits are targeting different batch sizes, maybe six gallons versus five.

 

[zackattack784]

Are you sure the local kit is LME and not DME? DME has higher potential per pound than LME, so that could make up part of the difference. Another possibility is that the LHBS kit includes an addition of simple sugars - i.e. corn sugar, table sugar, invert syrup, honey, etc. Yet another possibility is that these kits are targeting different batch sizes, maybe six gallons versus five.

The nugget nectar clone is 6.6 lbs LME and 1 pound DME. Figured it was safe to call it about 8 lbs of LME. Both are 5 gallon batches, no additional sugar added. The only difference I can see is the nugget nectar has a lot more steeping grains, but it was my understanding steeping doesn't result in much, if any, additional fermentable sugars.

 

[Jfcrls]

Non-fermentable sugars will still have an effect on your OG even if the yeast can't eat them.

 

[GHBWNY]

The nugget nectar clone is 6.6 lbs LME and 1 pound DME. Figured it was safe to call it about 8 lbs of LME. Both are 5 gallon batches, no additional sugar added. The only difference I can see is the nugget nectar has a lot more steeping grains, but it was my understanding steeping doesn't result in much, if any, additional fermentable sugars.

The first kit actually has almost 2 lb more fermentables than the 2nd. Weird. I've had kit target OGs not agree with actual OG, off sometimes up to 6-8 pts., but the beer came out fine, so I wouldn't worry about it. At the end of the day, ABV is secondary to good taste and balance. Brew on!

 

[chickypad]

Non-fermentable sugars will still have an effect on your OG even if the yeast can't eat them.

^ This, those unfermentable sugars still contribute to your OG. Also, at least in the case of crystal malts there will be some fermentable sugars. If I remember from Nilo's experiments on crystal malt steeping without a mash yields about 50% fermentable sugars.