Where did I go wrong?

[Jerryskid89]

Today I brewed my 6th batch of beer. This was the first time using a Midwest Supplies kit, White Lab Yeast, and doing a lager. The kit was Rich German Bock.

I steeped the grains for 30 min at about 158 degrees, I boiled 3 gallons of water and added most of the extract saving about a pound for a late addition at the 15 min mark. I brought it back to a boil and added the 2 oz Hallertau hop and then added the 1 oz Saaz hops with 2 min left. I used a wort chiller (for the first time!) and brought the temp down to 80 degrees. Transferred to the bucket and topped off to 5 gallons. Here is the problem. I have never felt good about my hydrometer readings! This was supposed to come in at 1.064-1.066 and I got 1.04ish at 75 degrees. The pot was probably on the stove a little over 60 min since I lost the boil when I added the extract towards the end of the boil.

Sorry for the long explanation! Anyone have any idea what went wrong, if anything? Your help is appreciated.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

you topped up .....it is a mixing issue. wort is way heavier and more dense than water so you have seperation. Your sample was more water than wort.

 

[Jerryskid89]

I felt like I mixed thoroughly. That makes me feel better.

 

[abrew2u]

Hydrometers are calibrated at 60 degrees if you took the reading at 75 that could be part of your problem

 

[fitchbrew]

I brewed this extract kit last week and got 1.064. Since it's an extract the there's only a couple things that could cause a low gravity reading. Either you added too much water or your hydrometer is inaccurate. I'd guess the later.

 

[JLem]

I felt like I mixed thoroughly. That makes me feel better.

Common "mistake" - no matter how well you think you mixed it, it just never seems to be enough. Of course, it could be your hydrometer - have you checked it against plain water? Could also be a volume issue - how confident are you in your volumes? Those marks on the brew buckets aren't known for their precision.