newbie question about FG

Most hydrometers are only accurate at a specific temperature, which should be written on it, or the paperwork that came with it. If your brew is at a different temperature the measurement will be out slightly.

The important thing is that the reading is no longer falling. So long as the brew is in the right temperature range for fermentation to be taking place and the readings are staying the same, then fermentation is done.

Phil

-- Homer no function beer well without. Homer J. Simpson

Everyone has given good advice. It sounds like you were already aware of the need to watch your FG for three days of no change. I'll second Tom's statement. The hardest thing to learn is the patience and experience will help with that one too. All ales benefit from a little aging and for the first few weeks it's more advantageous to let it do so in the fermentor or in the secondary. Not only does this help insure the fermentation is done, but also helps clear your brew and reduce the amount of sediment in the bottom of your bottle.

All that said, there shouldn't be anything wrong with you being able to bottle your brew in the next day or two if it stays at 1.016.

Welcome to brewing Mark R

The FG posted in a recipe is mostly just a guess. Lots of things can effect it, including the brand of extract you're using. You're at around

65% attenuation now. That's not terrific, but not horrible either. IMO, let it sit for another couple days and check it again. You don't want to rush it, that's what usually gets people into trouble.

John.

This kit did not come with a secondary fermenter. I live in the sticks of TN and I was paying way too much for shipping on a fermenter. I plan on getting one next time I pass through Nashville. Thanks for all the valuable input. I just finished bottling and things went smooth. The FG was still at about 1.016. It smells great, the taste seemed a little weak but that is from skimming from the top layer, and I don't guess I have ever had truely flat beer. I expected more of a hop flavor but we'll see how it is in two weeks. The color was deep golden amber. There was ton of yeast in the bottom of the primary so I guess that is good sign. It's funny how you can read and read but until you do it yourself things are all new.

Sounds good.

I have brewed kits for years and never bothered with a secondary. Sure it helps clear the beer, but your taste buds don't care what it looks like. Some people do worry about how clear it is and that's fine for them. If you're drinking and not entering competitions does it matter?

Phil

Don't forget to stop at Jack's for a beef brisket sandwich while you're in Nashville! Man, his original recipe sauce is king. OK, I'm off-topic......

Tom

Don't worry about that too much. The beer will change a lot as it ages, especially in the first couple weeks. Carbonation makes a big difference as well.

John.