Bitter II

[Scooby]

I've started a new thread as the other one seemed to be a chat about some fat geezers forming a circle in a park

My last post was:

Where Andy has had a volcanic ferment with his WNL brew I've had a really steady one, after 5 or so days it's down from 1.049 to 1.019 and the airlock activity is just starting to slow. The wort temp has been a around 18c so bodes well for a higher FG

Well it's 9 days now and it's 1.015 with airlock bubbles every 20 secs. Normally I would have an SG of 1.010 at this time so raising the mash temp some 1.5c and keeping the 3 hr mash seems to have done the trick

[tubby_shaw]

Good work Scooby
It's great when a plan comes together
You get your higher finishing gravity and still keep your 3 hour mash and pooch still gets his walk on brewday

[Scooby]

Yes, I have wondered about the relationship between FG and body and as you say time will tell.

As records show my beers ferment down to a lowish FG and to my taste are a bit thin, the SG at this stage is a good sign
So as the only measurements you can take are with a hydrometer/refractometer and tongue it will have been an interesting trial.

Tubby, I named my pooch Castro as like all dogs he likes to dictate, seems that includes brewing techniques

[Scooby]

Just racked to cornie, sg 1.012 and slightly sweeter than my normal brews with much more mouth feel. I'm sure it will drop a point or two as it matures but it's looking good so far

I plan to brew some time this week and will continue with the slightly hotter extended mash and stop the sparge at or before 1.010 as I'm sure that those actions produce a better quality beer

[Matt]

As an aside. Can I ask a basic question?

Am I correct in thinking that all gravity readings taken from primay or secondary fermentation should be done by removing a sample? I.e. not floating the hydrometer in the fv?

The former is how I have done it to date.

Cheers,
Matt

[tubby_shaw]

As an aside. Can I ask a basic question?

Am I correct in thinking that all gravity readings taken from primay or secondary fermentation should be done by removing a sample? I.e. not floating the hydrometer in the fv?

The former is how I have done it to date.

Cheers,
Matt

For accuracy yes, remove the sample. You also get the benefit of drinking the sample to check on progress
To monitor the progress of fermentation you can if you want float your hydrometer in the beer and leave it there, the readings wont be as accurate and sucking on the hydrometer is frowned on

[Matt]

OK, so either way has its merits.

It is nice to taste a sample specially when its a good 'un.

Cheers,
Matt