Reading The Initial Specific Gravity

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- Franklin P Patchey
  
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posted
20 years ago

Sat, Aug 2, 2003 8:49 AM

When do you read and note the initial specific gravity of the must - is it before you have let the aerobic fermentation complete (and before you have topped up with water to the top of the vessel) or after you have topped up? - someone correct me but isn't either way a bit innacurate as BEFORE and you have a must with greater SG (as you haven't topped up with water and diluted slightly) and AFTER the liquid has fermented slightly and hence the SG will again be different.

I hope this makes sense!

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- Dar V
  
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posted
20 years ago

Sat, Aug 2, 2003 11:47 AM

It's my understanding that you take the initial SG reading BEFORE you're ready to add the yeast. So whatever else needs to be in the must like water, acid, pectic enzyme, etc. should already be in there. The initial reading will give you an SG before any fermentation starts. Any reading you take afterwards will show you how the initial fermentation is progressing. Hope this helps. Darlene

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- Woodswun
  
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posted
20 years ago

Mon, Aug 4, 2003 10:38 PM

My understanding is that you take the SG immediately prior to pitching the yeast. So, if you've added your mashed fruits, sugars, etc, and campden tablets, this would likely be the day after you started the must, when you open the primary back up on the second day to pitch the yeast.

Woods