Beer Forum

Just want to get y'all's thoughts on hydrometer readings. I'm curious if the guys with more experience sample in the middle of fermentation to get info, or just take a final reading at the end.

Discuss.

I always measure gravity during, and after, fermentation- except I use a refractometer and conversion calculations.

I usually don't take a hydrometer reading int he middle of a standard fermentation. If I think it's going to be difficult (high alcohol, slow acting yeast like 3242, etc.,) I tend to baby the fermentation to make sure the beer comes out well. I usually take a gravity when visible fermentation stops (on the surface of the beer not in the airlock), and then every 2-3 days after until I get 2 identical readings.

I take refractometer readings in the middle of fermentation occasionally. Mostly for beers that have long extended fermentation/conditioning periods like lambics and barleywines. I always take a final hydrometer reading.

I never get in a hurry to get fermentation done, so I don't bother taking a reading until I think I am ready to keg (generally 3-4 weeks in fermenter with no secondary). Once in a great while if I think there may be a problem with fermentation I will check the gravity after a week or so. If you have lots of beers on tap, it's easy to be patient.

Wayne

Bugeater wrote:I never get in a hurry to get fermentation done, so I don't bother taking a reading until I think I am ready to keg (generally 3-4 weeks in fermenter with no secondary). Once in a great while if I think there may be a problem with fermentation I will check the gravity after a week or so. If you have lots of beers on tap, it's easy to be patient.

Wayne

+1 to Bug.

Usually don't take one until at least 2 wks has gone by or I am ready to package. No need to waste wort, finished beer, time, starsan, etc. on a reading until the fermentation has fully completed.

I monitor pH at least daily until gas evolution is evident (it better not be more than a day before I get to gas evolution), then measure pH and gravity daily until pH stabilizes and then gravity every few days. My decision as to when to spund is probably driven more by gas evolution rate than hydrometer reading though I certainly want the gravity to be within a couple of °P of expected terminal before I do that.

Bugeater wrote:I never get in a hurry to get fermentation done, If you have lots of beers on tap, it's easy to be patient.

Wayne

+1
Once you get things backing up, it is easier to let it ride. I usually have something waiting on an empty keg, so nothing gets rushed. When I first got my kegs is another story altogether. I brewed as much as I could and filled those bastards up as fast as I could. Brewed a few more batches since, and I now have a coupe of ripe, properly aged beers that are READY to go on tap at any given time. No more green beer for me! (yeah right!)