So, I usually use my refractometer to monitor fermentation especially when things get closer to FG. I don't use it exclusively to make bottling decisions, but I use it to get a feel for where the FG is before I pull a hydro sample. Since I re-started brewing a few years ago, I've basically used a version of a "Big Mouth Bubbler" from my LHBS. I put a spigot on the bottom, and when I take refrac. readings, I pull a minuscule amount of beer (about an ounce) to test my refrac. gravity.
I've noticed, if I take samples a few days apart, my refrac. readings may actually increase by .5-or-so Brix. If I take a second sample immediately after the first, my second reading will be more in line with what I expect to see. My hypothesis is that one of a couple of things is happening:
1) There's residual beer inside of my spigot that is evaporating slightly and when I pull a new sample, it has a higher sugar concentration. When I pull the second sample, the spigot is effectively "flushed out."
2) There's somehow a stagnant layer of sugars near the spigot or I'm pulling off some more concentrated wort. I don't think this is quite as possible, but not sure.... I've noticed that if I give my fermenter a gentle swirl, the gravity readings are closer to what I expect to see as well.
Has anyone else noticed anything like this? Not a big deal, I'm just wondering how I can take more consistent readings.
I've noticed, if I take samples a few days apart, my refrac. readings may actually increase by .5-or-so Brix. If I take a second sample immediately after the first, my second reading will be more in line with what I expect to see. My hypothesis is that one of a couple of things is happening:
1) There's residual beer inside of my spigot that is evaporating slightly and when I pull a new sample, it has a higher sugar concentration. When I pull the second sample, the spigot is effectively "flushed out."
2) There's somehow a stagnant layer of sugars near the spigot or I'm pulling off some more concentrated wort. I don't think this is quite as possible, but not sure.... I've noticed that if I give my fermenter a gentle swirl, the gravity readings are closer to what I expect to see as well.
Has anyone else noticed anything like this? Not a big deal, I'm just wondering how I can take more consistent readings.