Taking a Hydro Measurement from my Wherry

1 year ago | PMA (Member)

Ahoy Hoy,

I'm now almost exactly 3 days into my first ever brew - a Wherry kit.

Because I'm an idiot and also because I was just too damn excited, I forgot to take an OG reading. If I'm totally honest, I was probably trying to avoid the hydrometer as it looks scary and has numbers and things on it. Anyway, I'm home alone at the minute and I'm bored, so thought I might attempt to take a reading for the hell of it.

My question is simple: Do I need to take a sample in the trial jar and do it that way or can I just put the hydro in the FV (sterilised of course)? I'd prefer the latter, because it's easier but I'd appreciate some words of comfort at this trying time.

Thanks!

Phil

Read responses...

Responses

PMA:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Ok, I couldn't wait all night for you lot, so I took matters into my own hands!

I sterilised the trial jar and hydro (and my hands), then gently dipped the trial jar into my brew and lifted some out that way. I placed the hydro in once I had it settled on a flat surface, and the reading seemed to me to be at 1.022? Does this sound correct? It was a little hard to see past the bloody froth but I'm fairly certain that was the correct reading.

I've kept my FV at a very steady 20-22º since the off, well, except when it was about 24-25º right at the very beginning. It's really starting to smell more like beer now, which is a great feeling!

Also, I've got about 80ml of beer in my jar, should I tip it back or sling it?

I would very much appreciate some feedback, just to

a) put my mind at ease, or
b) upset me greatly.

Thanks again

Ian:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

I would wait until it is pretty much close to finishing rather than risk any infection being introduced. It will probably take at least a week depending on the usual variables, temp etc. You just need the hydro Reading to tell you when it's ready for bottles or keg. That's when it has got down to about 1.010 or there about and is constant for two days. I normally take a sample out of the fermenter as I think it is less risky than trying to fish a hydrometer out. Some people leave it in I guess. Good thing about brewing is there are usually many answers to questions and it is fun to see what works for you.

I guess patience is a virtue, but I know how hard it is to leave a brew alone while the yeast does it's job. I have started to sniff my air lock... Just to check it is all right....anyone else do that. My missus thinks I am crazy or obsessed or both.

Drinking; Nelson's Naval, Cuckoo's Knob
Conditioning;
In FV; Wigle Waggle
plannIng; Summer with elderflower

Ian:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Sorry, overlapping posts. You try typing these entries on an iPod....

Not sure about getting hands near the beer even when sanitised. Other than that taking a sample is good. 1.022 after 3 days sounds about right. Don't tip it back, taste a bit for reference and chuck the rest. Otherwise you risk putting nasties back into the good stuff.

Drinking; Nelson's Naval, Cuckoo's Knob
Conditioning;
In FV; Wigle Waggle
plannIng; Summer with elderflower

PMA:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Thanks Ian, too late now though, the deed is done!

Looks to me like it's moving in the right direction though, fingers crossed. I made sure to sterilise thoroughly so hopefully I won't have introduced any beasties to the yeasties!

The sample I've got in the trial jar is really getting that beer whiff though, so I'm happy enough. I guess I shouldn't tip it back in the FV...?

PMA:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Overlap! Damnit!

Thanks for the tips pal, nice one

PMA:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Sory - just to add, I started at about 21:00 on the 5th, and today is only the 7th so that's only 2 days, not 3 :oops:

Ian:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Looks like the beasties have been busy! I have had a couple of brews rip through the fermentation. I still leave it at least a week even if fermentation has been quick as it helps let it clear a bit before the next step.

Drinking; Nelson's Naval, Cuckoo's Knob
Conditioning;
In FV; Wigle Waggle
plannIng; Summer with elderflower

PMA:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

I'll do just that Ian, I'll take another reading on Saturday then another sunday - if it remains level I'll take it to the barrel

thanks very much for your time, you've been a great help.

Cheers!

simonb_13:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Just a couple of tips.

You can get a beer Thief to extract the sample from the FV without having to put your hand in. Or a turkey baster could be used.

Also, fill up the trial jar, if it's one of the long thin ones, so when you put the hydro in, the beers spills over the top and you lose most of the froth.

Planning: Something with Styrians, Discovery Clone
Fermenting:
Condtioning:
Drinking: Twibute Clone, PJ Clone

PMA:

Posted 1 year ago by Member

Cheers Simon, I'm going to pick up a baster at the weekend I think

Nath:

Posted 1 year ago by Moderator

Always good to "adapt" the fv with a tap near the bottom so you can take samples without the need to disinfect all the time, only cost a few quid. :wink:

Drinkin' - nowt, it's all gone

Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!

nathbrew@gmail.com