Intro

[nitroj]

Hi, I just finished my first batch of beer. I'm from Los Angeles and trying my hand at this because I love beer. I respect the beer making process and just excited about this.

My wort is sitting fermenting. I do have a question. I don't have a Hydrometer and didn't realize this until I started brewing. I need one right? also, when do I use it?

I know it's a newbie question.

cheers!

 

[FirstAidBrewing]

I think everyone here will recommend one, including me. While you can brew beer without it, it is very useful as it tells you:

- starting and final gravity, allowing you to determine ABV
- when fermentation is done
- allows you to compare your results to your recipe, which can lead to discovering issues (mash problems, etc...) you had if you missed your OG

You use it at various times (you'll need to purchase a small test jar, which you will fill with beer and then insert the hydrometer):

- After the boil and cool down to determine your OG
- When bubbling in the airlock has slowed stopped, you should use it to make sure fermentation has actually finished
- Before bottling/kegging to determine your FG (should be the same as #2 above)

Bottom line, it will help you become a better brewer. Brew on!

 

[nitroj]

Thanks man. I'm going to get mine today after work.

I appreciate the response.

 

[DNelson]

John Palmer's site/book explains it well:
http://www.howtobrew.com/appendices/appendixA.html

and I find the temp correction tool on Brewer's Friend to be very useful:
http://www.brewersfriend.com/hydrometer-temp/


It's good to be able to track fermentation. Once the gravity stops dropping the yeast are done. I must admit though, I make sure to pitch the right amount of healthy yeast, oxygenate, and control my fermentation temps, and have never checked during fermentation. No problems yet. I just give the yeast plenty of time. I use the hydrometer to check my OG and FG to see if I hit my targets. Also, for all grain checking preboil gravity is important. A refractometer works well for that.

 

[FirstAidBrewing]

Also, for all grain checking preboil gravity is important. A refractometer works well for that.

Yes, if you get into all grain it is also helpful for this as well as checking your sparge gravity to make sure you aren't getting any tannins into your wort

 

[DNelson]

Found this video from NB when grabbing that How To Brew link.
Explains things well:

http://youtu.be/jNVePBvI2ps

 

[nitroj]

This is great. Thanks to both of you guys.

 

[Cyclman]

When I was doing extract beers, I rarely used my hydrometer, broke it and didn't replace it with a refractometer for months. The key is good fermentation temps, properly pitched yeast, and I liked to do oxygen injection when pitching. Always had healthy, strong fermentations. I leave my beers in primary for at least 2 weeks, ales were always fermented out by then.

 

[nitroj]

Thanks Cyclman, I plan on letting my sit for 3 weeks.