pulling beer for Hydrometer.

[ksharp]

Sorry for the vary noob question.
what's the best way to draw beer out of the fermenter to put in the Hydrometer. I bought a racking cane for this purpose. I tried to pull some before i pitched, but i couldn't get it to work. I put the cane in the the beer and put my thumb on the end of the L part, but when i pulled it out it just leaked out of the end.

 

[mux]

http://labelpeelers.com/the-thief-by-fermtech-p-3673.html?zenid=gleihri554vr4thj7k3vg31ps5

 

[amandabab]

A wine thief with the hydrometer already in it.
just dip it in the fermentor and return it after your reading.

 

[mux]

A wine thief with the hydrometer already in it.
just dip it in the fermentor and return it after your reading.

Return it? I drink it.

 

[duboman]

Return it? I drink it.

Same here, also prevents one more source of infection.

 

[edmanster]

If its a bucket before pitching I give it a good mixing and just put the hydrometer in the bucket.. After fermentation I use a wine thief so I can get to the bottom
Edit: And yes, drink it!!

 

[beergolf]

Poor mans version is to use a sanitized turkey baster. Thye are usually under 2 bucks at the grocery store.

 

[amandabab]

Return it? I drink it.

you can, but unless its a test batch, you generally know how its going.

Same here, also prevents one more source of infection.

if your equipment isn't sanitary you infected it when you put it in the beer.
no risk with sanitary equipment.

 

[SwampassJ]

I started out using a turkey baster and then switched to using a wine thief. Drink the sample, you will learn so much about the flavor changes in beer between pre pitch, 2 days after, 7 days after and so on. Some times you might find a flavor profile better at day 6 and muted at day 12 and might decide to cold crash (if FG is reached) early to save the esters.

you can, but unless its a test batch, you generally know how its going.


if your equipment isn't sanitary you infected it when you put it in the beer.
no risk with sanitary equipment.

Zero risk with sterilized equipment in a "clean room". There is a reason why they don't starsan surgical tools.

 

[ACbrewer]

OP - if you want to do it now, then a turkey baster is probalby your best bet - unless this isa bucket, then you could get it out with any sanitary item (like a cup). If you can wait - go to the lhbs and get a wine thief - and pull enough for a hydro reading and either drink (my preference) or if you kept sanitary return.

If you don't have a lhbs then turkey bastor. I'm not sure why your racking cane trick didn't work, that should have - try wetting your finger with some santizer.

 

[ksharp]

Well i tried using the Racking cane and i made a mess. Beer leaked out onto my hand, on the lid, and back in the beer. I think all i managed to do was contaminate my beer. Darn!! Live and learn i guess. The beer did smell delicious while i had the airlock off though.

 

[SwampassJ]

Well i tried using the Racking cane and i made a mess. Beer leaked out onto my hand, on the lid, and back in the beer.

The tubing should fit snug over the end of the racking cane, it shouldn't leak or drip at all.