Looking for solid advice to correct Specific gravity

jwskinner · Mar 30, 2015

Ok, Ive brewed only All-grain 3 times with an experienced brewer. Hes out of the country most the time so im not bothering him with questions.

My 1st brew myself was last night. My target specific gravity after boil off was 1.051. It was low after a 1 hour boil so i opted to boil another 45 minutes which resulted in 4.5 gallons..still low at 1.025 specific grav.

I think i understand how i got there. While checking calibration of my hydrometer i realized my thermometer was 10 degrees off (reading 10 degrees higher than actual) This in combination with the fact my grain seemed poorly crushed or ground got me where i am.

I ran out of time so I went ahead and pitched yeast and closed it up.

Its bothering me and i know this beer will be weak at best. What method could i use to accurately raise my specific gravity and remain sterile...thus saving my beer:smack:

geoffey · Mar 30, 2015

Have some dry malt extract on hand for situations like this. Simply add extra light extract at the end of the boil if your gravity is off to get you where you need to be.

brew_ny · Mar 30, 2015

a bit more info would be helpful

the recipe for starters

S_M

ol-hazza · Mar 30, 2015

Boil 3lb of dry malt extract in .5 gal of water for 5 mins, cool and add to the fermenter without splashing.

I would say something is off in your process that needs looked at though, even a poor crush shouldn't drop you efficiency by 50%.