quick hydrometer question

[brewnewbie12]

When I took my first reading the hydrometer reading was 60 so does that mean 1.060? My ingredient kit says the OG is 1.071 -1.076. So did I do something wrong and when do I check it again should it read lower or higher than the 60 I got initially. When I checked it the temp was about 70 degrees.

 

[kev211]

Photo? But yes, it sounds like its 1.060. Did you do a full boil or partial? When you read it posted fermentation it will be lower. What kit/recipe did you do?

 

[brewnewbie12]

Brewers best Belgian golden ale. First batch

 

[kev211]

What did you pitch for your yeast?

 

[brewnewbie12]

It said to just add and stir. I didn't look to see what kind or type yeast it was and now I'm wishing I did. I guess that's a bit important

 

[brewnewbie12]

It was a partial boil.

 

[jkswasey]

Is your hydrometer a triple scale? It sounds like you might have been looking at the percent sugar/balling (I think that's the one) instead of the SG if it gave you a number like 60. Also, it might have 1.000 somewhere, then have 10 - 90 to indicate the 1.0XX.

 

[brewnewbie12]

Here's a pic

 

[jkswasey]

From the looks of it that 60 in orange would be 1.060. As far as why it might be off, I can't help since I have my first brew fermenting now myself.

 

[brewnewbie12]

Cool thanks man good luck to u

 

[TechyDork]

Was this an extract batch? If so then your OG should be whatever the kit/recipe said it should be, or fairly close.

If your hydrometer is reading 1.060 after you have boiled and then added your top up water, to hit 5 gallons, it could be that your wort/water wasn't fully mixed when you pulled your sample. I had this happen a few times when i brewed extract.

 

[brewnewbie12]

So is it messed up

 

[KWright_VT]

My OG was way off on my first brew as well, using a liquid extract and some specialty grains that were steeped. I got two different readings (one really high, and one really low) for OG depending on where I took the samples. Apparently my wort wasn't stirred very well and the partial boil causes some stratification of readings.

The FG was right on target after fermenting though, and the beer was just fine. The bottom line is if you used the right amount of water with an extract kit, you shouldn't be off much, it was probably just a test error like mine. Relax, have a beer, and I bet you'll be fine as well.

 

[theck]

Did you do any type of mashing or steeping of grains? Did you spin the hydrometer and let it settle? It might just be however your process was it came out a slight bit less, length of boil, if you got all the extract out of the can, if you used enough DME, etc etc... it will be beer in the end though.

 

[theck]

So is it messed up

Yes, yes it is... wait until it's finished with the fermentation, bottle and send to me for disposal.


Your fine, let it do it's thing, bottle, and drink. Enjoy.

 

[kirbcheck]

First, you didn't mess up. Enjoy your first beer, you'll be fine.

Troubleshooting:

1. Did you calibrate your hydrometer? Water should read 1.0. If your hydrometer is anything like mine, it's off and you have to compensate for that. If your hydrometer reads .09 for water then your 1.060 is more like 1.070. Make sense?

2. When did you take the reading? Before the Boil? After the Boil? Couple days after you pitched? Gravity changes. You could easily have 1.060 preboil, but boil enough water off to get you to 1.070. After fermentation, you're going to have a lower final gravity. Not sure where you're aiming so read the instructions and hopefully you will get an idea of where you're headed.

Don't worry. You're making beer. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about numbers until you get a system in place. This is a hobby so enjoy it. Good luck, I'm sure it'll taste great!

 

[Ski12568]

Do you have all the DME, LME, Candi Sugar, and Golden Syrup in the fermenter with a total volume of about 5 gallons?