Has anyone run across a hydrometer in the Deluxe Starter Kit that is not calibrated correctly? I have brewed two batches so far, both with OGs significantly lower then advertised. However, the first batch (An America Ale with an OG of 1.010 measured) turned out fine and the second one (a Chocolate Milk Stout with an OG of 1.026 measured) is in the fermentor now, bubbling away.
What does it read in water?
I check mine in water EVERY time I use it. I half dropped it once and I noticed the paper sleeve inside slid. I’ll be replacing it soon.
Check with distilled water. Not tap.
Depending on how far off it is, you can try tapping it into a closer range. Then you can paint some nail polish on it or gently fill off some glass to zero it in.
[quote=“GinoZito”]However, the first batch (An America Ale with an OG of 1.010 measured) turned out fine …[/quote]There’s no way a beer with an OG of 1.010 “turned out fine” (it would have been basically very bitter water once fermenter) and as long as you measured your volumes correctly (or just close to correct) you should hit your planned OG with an extract kit - I would guess that you’re taking the reading without first thoroughly mixing the top-off water and the wort already in the fermenter and getting a reading on the low side.
Just wondering…at what temp did you measure OG? A number like that makes me believe you were measuring hot wort, instead of waiting for it to cool.
[quote=“Shadetree”]There’s no way a beer with an OG of 1.010 “turned out fine” (it would have been basically very bitter water once fermenter) [/quote] And it was not bitter water. It was very good beer, which leads me to believe that the hydrometer is off. And it didn’t taste watered down when I tasted the sample. [quote=“kcbeersnob”] Just wondering…at what temp did you measure OG? [/quote] 68 F on the first and 72 F on the second.
And it’s a moot point now, since last night whilst cleaning up from the brewing, I broke the Hydro. But that just means I can get that Refractometer I’ve been eyeing!!!
Remember that refractometers do not read correctly post fermentation. Calculators need to be used to account for the alcohol. There is also a varience in the refractometers that can be different from one to another.
http://seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refra ... alculator/ http://www.musther.net/vinocalc.html#sgconversion http://www.brewheads.com/calc.phpA hydrometer is still a nice thing to have on hand.
