Hydrometer off?

[2pugbrews]

I've had a series of batches where the fermentation seems to stop at a relatively high reading. Don't know whether it's possible for the hydrometer to be off - it reads 1.000 in water. Here's the batches I've done so far. BTW, I didn't start taking readings until the middle of my second batch. My first batch was a Fat Tire clone from a kit.

1. Chimay (from yeast from a blue label Chimay) (only my second batch). Pitched 1-6-05 (only my second batch
OG est. 1.065, 1-10 1.028; 1-13 to secondary 1.028; bottled 1-28 1.028. I thought it very drinkable even though at the first SG reading it had a strong "astringent" feeling in the back of my mouth. Still have one bottle left - will take SG reading when I open it. Cultured yeast from blue Chimay.

2.Chimay II (from yeast saved from #1) OG 1.062. Pitched 2-26. Very strong early fermentation - should have used a blowout setup. 2-28. 1.052; 3-4 to secondary 1.038; 3-26 1.038; bottled 4-6 1.036. Very drinkable. Will take SG when I open the next bottle. Of course prepared a starter from saved yeast

3. Elbro Nerkte Brown Ale OG 1.041; pitched 5-10: 5-17 to secondary 1.028; 6-2 bottled 1.028. Very drinkable. Gave brew store guy a bottle - said it very good. I think it very drinkable.

4.Affengeil Wheat (in secondary now) pitched 8-23 OG 1.064 (1.045 predicted) 9-3 1.028; 9-12 to secondary 1.025 tastes very good Very strong fermentation - prepared a starter.

5. Elbro Nerkte OG 1.052, (1.045 predicted) pitched 9-7. Never saw any bubbling in airlock. 9-11 1.031; 9-15 1.031. Used Wyeast smack pack - didn't prepare starter (the last time I don't) Will probably go to secondary later today. About an inch of drub in bottom of fermenter

 

[Walker]

if it reads 1.000 in water, it is not off.

-walker

 

[2pugbrews]

if it reads 1.000 in water, it is not off.

-walker

That's what I was assuming. Every one talks about getting down to 1.012 to 1.010 and I'm way above that. Even at the high reading on the Chimays, I know I've had a beer - especially if I pop a 22 oz. I'd like to figure out what's going on. In the meantime I'll not worry and have a home brew I guess.

 

[Walker]

The only thing I can think of is that your yeast don't have the right conditions to "finish the job". Lack of aeration at the beginning? Lack of nutrients for the yeast?

Or, maybe you have highly levels of unfermentables in the recipes, and your fermentation really is done, leaving you with full-bodied brews with less alcohol.

I really don't know. I never pay much attention to my hydrometer's numbers, to be honest. I just make sure the gravity stops dropping at some point (3 days w/o a change) and then I bottle the goods.

-walker

 

[homebrewer_99]

if it reads 1.000 in water, it is not off.

-walker

Make sure that's 1.000 at 60F.

If your hydrometer is off be sure to record how off it is. Write down the difference so you can correct future brews.

In the meantime, write the company letting them know how far it is off and request a replacement for one the reads 1.000 at 60F.

 

[Walker]

BTW: I'm jealous about your consumption of Fat Tire. I love that stuff, but since I left the west coast and arrived on the east coast, I can't get it anymore.

-walker

 

[El Pistolero]

New Belgium's going national...you'll be able to get your Fat Tire.

 

[Darth Konvel]

What kind of brewing are you doing? (ie extract, grain) If you are repeatedly coming out high on your OG, even after double checking all your numbers, I'd be thinking something's not right.

 

[wild]

if it reads 1.000 in water, it is not off.

It can read 1.000 but still be off. Here is a way to calibrate your hydrometer.

Wild