[curtdogg]

So I split my last batch in 2. I bottled one half and then racked to a secondary and added a syrup made of honey and ginger.
The FG when I split the batch was 1.011. I just checked the gravity of the beer in secondary it was 1.020.
What the heck? I expected it to go down further and dry out the finished product while adding a little ginger flavor.
When I added the syrup that must of  spiked the gravity above 1.020 and 1.020 is where it finished. I guess I should have checked gravity right after I added the syrup.

I checked the gravity (after calibrating it) using my new equipment wich arrived in the mail yesterday. I found it on that Internet auction site for $25. My local homebrew store wanted $60 for it.
I couldn't pass up the deal.

Thoughts or remarks on either topic please.

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[Stevie]

Refractometers require a correction to measure FG "correctly." I don't even know how to use a refractometers when adding MORE fermentables to a beer. Did you measure the gravity after adding the syrup?

I only use a refractometer to monitor progress and use a hydrometer to get real numbers.

[curtdogg]

Refractometers require a correction to measure FG "correctly." I don't even know how to use a refractometers when adding MORE fermentables to a beer. Did you measure the gravity after adding the syrup?

I only use a refractometer to monitor progress and use a hydrometer to get real numbers.

No sir I did not check after adding the syrup. I've done the same in the past by adding frozen fruit to the secondary and the gravity just went close to zero.
Before bottling maybe I'll take a hydrometer reading and see what it says.

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[BairsBrewing]

I always use the refractometer for pre-pitch readings, after fermentation, back to the old school. I tried using the correction on beersmith but it was still off when compared to the hydro. Too bad too, every test with a hydro is a drink or two of beer.

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[curtdogg]

I always use the refractometer for pre-pitch readings, after fermentation, back to the old school. I tried using the correction on beersmith but it was still off when compared to the hydro. Too bad too, every test with a hydro is a drink or two of beer.

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Exactly why I thought using the refractometer would be more beneficial for me. I brew 3 gallon batches and my hydrometer requires 4 oz to sample.

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[denny]

I always use the refractometer for pre-pitch readings, after fermentation, back to the old school. I tried using the correction on beersmith but it was still off when compared to the hydro. Too bad too, every test with a hydro is a drink or two of beer.

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So why not drink it?

[BairsBrewing]

Oh I never waste it, even if it is still green and yeasty tasting, lol.


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[curtdogg]

Believe me sir I do.
It's just not as exciting when it's wort. With all that was said previously I will continue to use the hydrometer for FG.
This new tool will help me with pre and post boil samples wich will take some time off my brew day.

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[Stevie]

Use the refractometer until you have a stable reading and then use your hydrometer. The refractometer will tell you when fermentation is done one drop at a time, the hydrometer will tell you where it finished.

[curtdogg]

Use the refractometer until you have a stable reading and then use your hydrometer. The refractometer will tell you when fermentation is done one drop at a time, the hydrometer will tell you where it finished.

Yes sir, sorry if I wasn't clear.
Kind of exciting to have the ability to check one drop at a time.
It's usually a pain in the ass to draw a hygrometer sample.
That will be my next fix, either adding a spicket to my brew bucket or purchasing a better fermenter that already has one.

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[reverseapachemaster]

Refractometer definitely needs correction for FG. Forum member Sean Terrill's calculator is very good for this: http://www.seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/

Refractometer results are not as precise as I would like but for small batches it's pretty much the only way you can take readings. I brew a lot of one and two gallon batches. Two hydrometer readings out of a gallon is about a tenth of the batch. Taking a few drops at a time lets me take as many gravity readings as I need.

[curtdogg]

Refractometer definitely needs correction for FG. Forum member Sean Terrill's calculator is very good for this: http://www.seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/

Refractometer results are not as precise as I would like but for small batches it's pretty much the only way you can take readings. I brew a lot of one and two gallon batches. Two hydrometer readings out of a gallon is about a tenth of the batch. Taking a few drops at a time lets me take as many gravity readings as I need.

My thoughts exactly.
Thank you for the link.

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[denny]

Believe me sir I do.
It's just not as exciting when it's wort. With all that was said previously I will continue to use the hydrometer for FG.
This new tool will help me with pre and post boil samples wich will take some time off my brew day.

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But we're talking about final gravity, which means it's beer, not wort.  I actually take a 12 oz. gravity sample for FG.  After I measure it, I put it in a 20 oz. PET bottle with a carbonater cap.  I hit it with 30 psi of CO2, and put it in the freezer for 45 min.  That way I get a cold, carbed sample.

[curtdogg]

Believe me sir I do.
It's just not as exciting when it's wort. With all that was said previously I will continue to use the hydrometer for FG.
This new tool will help me with pre and post boil samples wich will take some time off my brew day.

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But we're talking about final gravity, which means it's beer, not wort.  I actually take a 12 oz. gravity sample for FG.  After I measure it, I put it in a 20 oz. PET bottle with a carbonater cap.  I hit it with 30 psi of CO2, and put it in the freezer for 45 min.  That way I get a cold, carbed sample.

Yes sir, that would be awesome.
I'm not at that level yet.
I have yet to purchase anything to do with kegging.
But that is why I brew 3 gallon batches. One day I will have a 3 gallon keg and c02.
I have aspirations to be like the rest of you homebrewing demi gods.

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[one_seat]

Believe me sir I do.
It's just not as exciting when it's wort. With all that was said previously I will continue to use the hydrometer for FG.
This new tool will help me with pre and post boil samples wich will take some time off my brew day.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

But we're talking about final gravity, which means it's beer, not wort.  I actually take a 12 oz. gravity sample for FG.  After I measure it, I put it in a 20 oz. PET bottle with a carbonater cap.  I hit it with 30 psi of CO2, and put it in the freezer for 45 min.  That way I get a cold, carbed sample.

Yes sir, that would be awesome.
I'm not at that level yet.
I have yet to purchase anything to do with kegging.
But that is why I brew 3 gallon batches. One day I will have a 3 gallon keg and c02.
I have aspirations to be like the rest of you homebrewing demi gods.

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Unfortunately used 3 gallon kegs cost more than 5 gallon keg so if you have any desire to switch to 5 gallon batches I would recommend just getting 5 gallon kegs. I wish I did.