Hydrometer reading

[user 161678]

I just bottled myBrewers Best Pumpkin Spice Porter. This is my first batch using a hydrometer, I don't know of I am doing it right. I took my first reading and for 1.052, my second reading was 1.022. The problem is that I added my priming sugar before I took the second reading. The other problem I have is that I'm not within range of what the kit said, the OG is supposed to be between 1.057 and 1.061 and the FG between 1.014 and 1.018. Am I reading the hydrometer wrong and how much will the priming sugar affect the FG reading?

 

[vNmd]

Sounds like you are using it correctly. Did you test it with plain water to see if it is 1.000. The last few hydrometers I bought are about 6 points off. Also were you sure it was done fermenting? Check it three days in a row. If it doesn't move it is done. I have had a few extract kits stop in the 1.020's (search curse of 1.020) for other tips on that.

 

[trogdor447]

You used it correctly is my guess. As stated test it in water to see if you are +/- a little bit. Also temperature can affect your readings as well. And lastly You might of added a bit too much water or had a little more boil off than anticipated (if you boiled)

 

[RetroHopper]

New home brewers don't often achieve the target gravity for a specific recipe. It's too hard to control all the variables without the right equipment.

Check your hydrometer as suggested just to be sure it's accurate. Assuming it checks out, all you should do is to pay attention to perfecting your process. Once you nail a recipe a few times, try experimenting with subtle changes. I like to compare several recipes for beers in a particular category and figure out what I should do to make a desired change.

Bottom line: don't worry so much about whether you achieve a specific gravity. Instead, aim for consistency in your process and build from there.

 

[flars]

I just bottled myBrewers Best Pumpkin Spice Porter. This is my first batch using a hydrometer, I don't know of I am doing it right. I took my first reading and for 1.052, my second reading was 1.022. The problem is that I added my priming sugar before I took the second reading. The other problem I have is that I'm not within range of what the kit said, the OG is supposed to be between 1.057 and 1.061 and the FG between 1.014 and 1.018. Am I reading the hydrometer wrong and how much will the priming sugar affect the FG reading?

Priming sugar probably added 0.002 points to your SG. Extracts are difficult to get completely mixed in the fermentor. Your OG may have been as described in the kit if your volumes were correct.