Testing gravity on 2.5g batch

[RCBIV]

My first 2.5-gallon, all-grain batch looks to be done fermenting, but I know I should take a gravity reading to know for sure.

Here's the question: Should I take it the way I normally do for my 5-gallon batches, or is there another trick for a smaller batch?

My only concern is testing it today and two days from now and then losing all that beautiful, beautiful beer from final bottling. I mean, it is only a 2.5 gallon batch. Do I get the beer back in the carboy? Or should I just suck it up?

(And when I say "losing" I mean losing it in my belly, of course.)

Thanks, ladies and gents.

 

[BigB]

Do you have a wine thief?

 

[DonutMuncher]

I think some people take their sample, get the reading, and dump the sample back into the carboy. If everything is sanitized thoroughly, this could be okay. I'd be a little worried about oxidizing when dumping it back, but if you do it carefully, I doubt it would be a big deal.

 

[RCBIV]

I think some people take their sample, get the reading, and dump the sample back into the carboy. If everything is sanitized thoroughly, this could be okay. I'd be a little worried about oxidizing when dumping it back, but if you do it carefully, I doubt it would be a big deal.

That's my concern, too. With my 5 gallon batches (I do have a wine thief) I never pour it back in.

 

[oakbarn]

Get in my Belly! Do not put back in. I love tasting the beer on its way to maturity.

 

[gr8shandini]

You could always pick up a refractometer and use the conversion charts to correct it for alcohol content. That way, you only need an eyedropper full to take a reading.