OG not as high as it should be?

[jay2k6ie]

Hi,

My second brew I decided to do the coopers australian pale ale with coopers beer enhancer 2.. My OG was 1030? Isn't this very low?I thought it would be 1040+...

I don't understand how I could have done something wrong because all I did was add the ingredients and then add water as instructed.. HAve I done something wrong or is this normal?

I bottled 3 days ago and the FG was 1008 but by my calculations that would make my beer only about 2.5% which is kinda crap so im hoping ive just miscalculated..

Cheers

 

[IrregularPulse]

It is very difficult to miss OG with extract. This is a common question though. It's very difficult to thoroughly mix the wort and the top off water so what happens is the sample you take is more water than wort so you get a low reading. Don't worry about it. Your OG is what it's supposed to be as long as you added all the extract from the recipe and it will all get thoroughly mixed during fermentation. Only reason to take OG readings in extract brewing is to get familiar with the practice really because it is a necessary skill in proper brewing.

 

[s1080]

That is pretty low. How much extract did you add? How much water did you add in the fermentor?

edit: dont listen to me...listen to that guy

 

[monty3777]

It is very difficult to miss OG with extract. This is a common question though. It's very difficult to thoroughly mix the wort and the top off water so what happens is the sample you take is more water than wort so you get a low reading. Don't worry about it. Your OG is what it's supposed to be as long as you added all the extract from the recipe and it will all get thoroughly mixed during fermentation. Only reason to take OG readings in extract brewing is to get familiar with the practice really because it is a necessary skill in proper brewing.

+1 absolutely. I had to ask the same question when I first started brewing as well.

 

[jay2k6ie]

Thanks guys..I feel better now