OG v FG (Novice Question)

[matty139]

If my OG was higher than the specified target should I still be aiming for the specified FG or simply the same reduction value?

 

[flars]

OG is not tied to the FG in any certain way (Can't think of better wording at the moment.). There are to many variables in brewing methods and the ingredients. General attenuation figures are given for a yeast, but there are to many variables to make this a mathematical calculation to come up with what the FG will be. The attenuation figures are more for comparing one yeast to another for achieving desired brewing goals.

A four degree increase in mash temperature will increase the FG because there will be more unfermentable sugars in the wort. A four degree decrease in mash temperature may lower the FG, using the same yeast and fermenting at the same temperature.

Fermentations aren't complete until the specific gravity stabilizes.

 

[ChelisHubby]

A couple of points Doesn't matter much now if you miss by a larger amount than it is safe to say you should have a lower or higher gravity depending on the original gravity. After 2 weeks take a gravity reading and see where it is at, then take another 2 or 3 days later to see where the yeast finished. If the recipe calls for a 1.053 OG and a 1.012 fg if I miss either set of numbers by a few points I don't sweat it as I should have Beer. The more important thing to worry about is your fermentation tempatures that will control how good the beer taste. If you miss the yeast best operating range by 3 degrees you might not like the beer as much. Gravity points are a guide for what to expect but don't sweat it if you don't hit the numbers the recipes offer.

 

[matty139]

Thanks peeps, got it.