Complete n00b.. what to buy

[jonewer]

Oh dear.

But looking again at the hydrometer, it should have been 1.034 its been a while since I did any lab work! The hydrometer is a bog standard Youngs job, no idea about the temperature rating. Doesnt say anything about that on the pamphlet.

Nevertheless.... Oh dear.

Possible explanations

1. I somehow cocked up the hydrometer reading even further - bubbles, miniscus etc...
2. The concentrate wasnt fully dissolved, some stuck to the bottom

At least the yeast seems to have taken, the top half of the airlock was fired across the kitchen floor! Steep learning curve here guys.....

edit - Looking at the temperature adjustments, it seems the OG is actually 1038ish depending on if its calibrated to 15C or 16C, which is a bit closer to the mark. Hopefully the rest can be explained by inexperience with using hydrometers!

[jonewer]

Is it OK to crack it open and have a look? Or is that naughty? Been in for 24 hours... can I drink it yet?

[Mogwyth]

Is it OK to crack it open and have a look? Or is that naughty? Been in for 24 hours... can I drink it yet?

Patience Grasshopper, the fermentation is short and the maturation long but rewards come to he who waits..................

What a load of b*********, it's not best practice but I am sure we have all done at least on our first brews. As for when to drink every time you test the gravity, consume what's in the tester


Cheers.

Bill

[jonewer]

This waiting game is rubbish... if only someone sold instant beer thats already been brewed, in a bottle or a can maybe for example!

Just joking!

[jonewer]

SG has dropped by a good 11 points after 2 days... is this good progress or not?

I had a taste of it.... not that bad actually...

By the way, whats the deal with those 'top hat' style airlocks? If I put water in it, it just gurgles and splashes water about then spits the top off in disgust. Are they not supposed to have water?

Thanks!