How do you get an accurate SG reading active fermentation?

[Hedo-Rick]

Just started 6 gallons that I tweaked the pH down to 3.5 and inoculated with Nottingham Ale yeast.

I'm fermenting in a chest freezer so I can rack and cold crash once I hit the flavor/SG I'm looking for.

I'd like to pull a sample every 4-5 days to taste and get an idea of how quick it's fermenting, but how do you get an accurate reading with a hydrometer when the sample will still be actively fermenting in the test jar?

 

[deepcdan99]

If you are using a hydrometer, just drop it in your test vessel. That is as accurate as you get. When using a refractometer there is some math involved because it wont accurately calculate when alcohol is present, its measuring fermented sugar.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

Um, wait til it ain't so active?....................

If you're having trouble reading it, because of the krausen hanging around at the meniscus, use a sanitized turkey baster, and draw your sample from below the surface.

That's what I use.

 

[UpstateMike]

Spin the hydrometer before you get your reading. Watch this video:

 

[eufc]

if you want to see how much alcohol content i suggest using http://www.brewersfriend.com/abv-calculator/ with the orignal reading and then the reading what you get from the sg again and this will tell you how much alcohol is in the cider/beer

 

[MindenMan]

Spinning the hydrometer works pretty well, but in my experience pour your sample, add your hydrometer, and walk away for a couple of hours. By that time most of the bubbles have left.