Missed gravity

[zaklee1020]

I can not figure out what i did wrong. I followed my recipe to the letter and missed my gravity by 17 points. Target was 1.059 and measured gravity was 1.076. I added 3/4 of a gallon at the end to dilute that out a little bit. Resulted in a 4 gallon batch instead of a 3.5 gallon batch. Any ideas?

View attachment 1491774372518.jpg

 

[Brownalemikie]

Did you test your hydrometer in water to make sure it was at zero? Otherwise just wait for the number in a couple weeks and see what your final Gravity is.
Worst case scenario is your ABV will be higher....Good thing eh?

 

[zaklee1020]

I didnt check that. I will do. And thank you. The extra alcohol is definitely not a problem haha

 

[bajaedition]

did you test your wort at 68 degrees F

 

[zaklee1020]

did you test your wort at 68 degrees F

I actually tested it at 66. The wort chiller brought it down to that. Brought the volume up to the target volume and then took a reading.

 

[kh54s10]

Did you add any top up water? If you did it probably was not mixed well and your hydrometer sample was strong. If that was the case adding more water could have taken you below your original target.

"I added 3/4 of a gallon at the end to dilute that out a little bit. Resulted in a 4 gallon batch instead of a 3.5 gallon batch. Any ideas?" I wonder about the math here. If you were making a 3.5 gallon batch and added 3/4 gallon how did you end up with 4 gallons instead of 4.25 gallons?

 

[zaklee1020]

You might be right about it not being mixed.
To address the top up water. The 3/4 was total. I added enough to get to my target of 3.5 gallons (1/4 gallon added). Hydrometer reading taken. Then the additional half gallon after that due to panic. I should have been more clear. Sorry

 

[zaklee1020]

Did you test your hydrometer in water to make sure it was at zero? Otherwise just wait for the number in a couple weeks and see what your final Gravity is.
Worst case scenario is your ABV will be higher....Good thing eh?

I checked the hydrometer in water and the reading was right where it was supposed to be. Thank you. I never thought about checking the actual recording device.

 

[d3track]

When I punch that in at 3.5gal extract recipe I get an estimated OG of 1.070, 1.055 was at 5 gallons

 

[zaklee1020]

??? Ok ill re check my equipment and settings in beersmith. Thank you. I guess i just assumed it was ok this time it was spot on the last brew.

 

[Dhm8484]

What program is that you are using if I might ask?

 

[zaklee1020]

What program is that you are using if I might ask?

Beersmith. The picture is from the mobile version but i made the recipe on the desktop version and ported it over

 

[Dhm8484]

Okay thanks