Hydrometer calibration

[lowtones84]

I was surprised to see as I went to bottle that my latest brown ale using WLP 007 was a SG 1.022. Yeah I know I -should- take the reading before going to bottle, but I have my process down for these fairly low gravity English ales down really well and have always been at FG within 7 days. I did mash high (156) for less time than usual (45 minutes) so I probably didn't lose quite as much heat.

Anyhow, doubting my hydrometer, I measured distilled water. Came out at 1.004. Temperature is 70 degrees in the house right now and the hydrometer is calibrated for 68. Can I safely assume that the gravity of my ale is more like 1.018? Still surprisingly high considering I've gotten the same recipe down to 1.012 with WLP002...

 

[ncbrewer]

Here's a good article that describes a 2-point calibration, if you want to be sure it's accurate at more than one point: http://byo.com/departments/item/411-calibrate-your-hydrometer-and-fermenter-techniques
I doubt if many brewers go to this much trouble - I don't.

 

[ncbrewer]

Here's a good article that describes a 2-point calibration, if you want to be sure it's accurate at more than one point: http://byo.com/departments/item/411-calibrate-your-hydrometer-and-fermenter-techniques
I doubt if many brewers go to this much trouble - I don't.