Testing Alcohol During Fermentation?

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NFamato

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I hear about guys testing the alcohol level during the fermentation process. Does this hurt the beer by opening and closing the primary fermenter or carboy? Doesn't it let oxygen in to contaminate the beer? How many times can you open the fermenter during the fermenting process? I'm very new and looking for insight.
 
i wouldn't even take your second measurement (since you took your first before you pitched the yeast and wrote it down) until it's been in primary two weeks
jot that one down, compare to expected FG
wait a few more days and test again
 
Beer is rather forgiving so if you sanitize well, you shouldn't have a problem. I'm personally not a fan of leaving my beer in primary for extended periods if it's not necessary. I'll test gravity when fermentation appears to be done and then check a few days later. If it's stable, I cold crash and keg.
 
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