Is this at all possible?

[Q2XL]

For the pre-boil gravity reading to be higher then the original gravity(into the fermenter)?

I am thinking that I read the hydrometer incorrectly. My pre-boil reading was 1.061 @ 70F. My reading into the fermenter was 1.058 @ 70F.

Isn't the gravity reading into the fermenter supposed to be HIGHER then the pre-boil gravity? Mine was the opposite.

According to Beersmith my pre-boil should have been 1.041 and OG should have been 1.049.

 

[Brewpastor]

I don't see how that can be so.

 

[climateboy]

What are you using? All-grain? Extract? It's possible that the wort wasn't mixed thoroughly in the sample you pulled. Or, you read it wrong. Either way, .061 and .058 are pretty close.

 

[PintOfBitter]

I'd say your problem is obvious - your post-chilled wort has become contaminated with lift demons.

 

[pizzaman]

Silly question, did you add water to the wort after adding it to the fermenter? This would decrease the gravity...

 

[Q2XL]

More info added above.

I am brewing all grain.

I did add 1/2 gallon to the fermenter to top it off to 5 gallons. I aerated the snot out of it.

 

[ChshreCat]

Did you correct for temperature?

 

[pizzaman]

So you added 1/2 gallon of water and that brought your gravity down 0.003 points. That sounds about right to me.

 

[Q2XL]

So you added 1/2 gallon of water and that brought your gravity down 0.003 points. That sounds about right to me.

No. The PRE-BOIL reading was 1.061. Gravity reading into the fermenter( 5 gallons) was 1.058.

 

[Q2XL]

Did you correct for temperature?

Yes I did.

 

[Trubadour]

My only guess would be accounting for temperature

 

[ericm]

what was the pre-boil volume?

 

[Q2XL]

what was the pre-boil volume?

5.87 gallons.

Ended up with 4.5 gallons. Topped off to 5 gallons.

 

[Hang Glider]

how about stratification?
if you took the sample from the pre-boil without a vigorous stir, and you are doing AG, the heavy sugar is at the bottom of the brewpot before the boil...