Gravity reading after 9 days

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by HelloMyNameIsHuman, May 19, 2018.

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  1. HelloMyNameIsHuman

    HelloMyNameIsHuman Aspirant (257) Mar 6, 2017 New Hampshire

    I have an IPA in the fermenter right now that had an OG reading of 1.062. Just took my first gravity reading after 9 days and it came in at 1.032 which brings it to 3.94%. This is the first time I have used a refractometer. My question is ... did I mess something up or should I expect to find a different reading in about a week when I go to bottle it ? I had no fermentation issues as it fermented hard for about 3 days
     
    #1 HelloMyNameIsHuman, May 19, 2018
  2. 209Hill

    209Hill Aspirant (248) Dec 22, 2016 Virginia

    I had a similar experience when I started using my refractometer. Alcohol skews the refractometer reading, making it higher than it actually is. Google refractometer final gravity conversion and you should find an online calculator that will help. The good news is that with an OG reading you probably have the data you need for an accurate conversion.
     
    #2 209Hill, May 19, 2018
  3. JohnnyChicago

    JohnnyChicago Initiate (0) Sep 3, 2010 Illinois

    IMH, refractometer works awesome for the hot side, but a good hydrometer is best for cold side.
     
    #3 JohnnyChicago, May 19, 2018
  4. HelloMyNameIsHuman

    HelloMyNameIsHuman Aspirant (257) Mar 6, 2017 New Hampshire

    Thanks for the info, I did that and came up with an ABV of 6.4% .. that’s more like it !
     
    #4 HelloMyNameIsHuman, May 19, 2018
  5. Mute_Ant_Brew

    Mute_Ant_Brew Initiate (0) Mar 28, 2017 Wisconsin

    Northern Brewer has a nice calculator on their site. I've only ever used a refractometer. I keep the site pinned to my home screen on my phone.
     
    #5 Mute_Ant_Brew, May 19, 2018
  6. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I don't know which refractometer calculator you grabbed. There are several, and some are better than others. FWIW, Sean Terrill's is the best standalone refractometer calculator out there.
    http://seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/
     
    #6 VikeMan, May 19, 2018
  7. MostlyNorwegian

    MostlyNorwegian Pooh-Bah (2,236) Feb 5, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Looks like you already got hinted to what you need, which is way to convert those numbers.
    https://www.brewersfriend.com/refractometer-calculator/
    Beersmith also has one in its utilities. I use it sometimes at work, and all the time at home because I've been too "lazy" to replace the hydrometer I broke a couple years ago. WIth the amount of liquid being drawn to get readings. Replacing it is not high on the priority list.
     
    #7 MostlyNorwegian, May 19, 2018
  8. dmtaylor

    dmtaylor Savant (1,149) Dec 30, 2003 Wisconsin

    #8 dmtaylor, May 19, 2018
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