I'm doing a Red Ale kit from Williams Brewing and everything has gone just fine. I'm about ready to bottle tomorrow (Sunday). Checked gravity in my secondary today and it has gone from 1.019 to nearly 1.021. (OG was 1.037).
I would imagine it should be going the other way, no?
Tastes fine. Looks OK. Normal fermentation, etc.
Cause for concern? Anyone seen this before?
Cheers, JM
That small a change, could it be a temperature change you haven't taken into account, or some bubbles sticking to the hygrometer?
mike
I'm thinking it might have been "user error" as I may have taken the reading incorrectly.
I bottled it today anyhow. Should be fine. Thanks.
The other thing it can be is starting with a wet hygrometer will give you a lower reading as it dilutes the area around the instrument, especially in a small tube like The Thief from Fermtech.
I like mikes answer (temp), people that take this art form seriously (centainly not me) take all readings at constant temp (60 F I've read). Brew on brother! SW US desert
Taking your readings at a constant temp each time? Yes. Removes one more variable from the equation. But make sure it's the right constant temp. Ales should be around 68-70 F, not 60 which can put your yeast to "sleep" and stop fermentation.
But if it looks good, tastes good, and you're getting a consistent gravity reading over several days (measured at a constant temp, of course), call it done, rack and bottle it and let it finish out for a couple of weeks. Enjoy!
Don't misunderstand what I tried to say. I'd take the sample to be tested for SG and bring only the sample to temp.
Avery Brew on brother! SW US desert
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