When to take initial hydrometer reading

[omahabrew]

I am doing batch/sparge all grain. Do I check a hydrometer reading before the boil, after the boil but before adding the yeast or does it make a difference?

Thanks

 

[kh54s10]

I am doing batch/sparge all grain. Do I check a hydrometer reading before the boil, after the boil but before adding the yeast or does it make a difference?

Thanks

I take a reading when I have collected the wort in the kettle. This is the pre-boil reading. If it is too high I can dilute, if too low I can add DME to raise the gravity.

Then after cooled, before pitching the yeast, I check the OG (original gravity). You could make some changes if it is not as expected. Or this calculated with FG (final gravity) will give you the ABV (alcohol by volume).

 

[omahabrew]

Thanks for the advice. That makes sense. So the most accurate OG reading would be taken after the boil and prior to pitching the yeast corrrect?

 

[Clonefan94]

Yes taken when you have cooled the wort down to pitching temp. Don't forget to adjust for calibration though. Most hydrometers are calibrated at 60 degrees, so check your adjustment sheet.