testing alcohol level

Are you trying to measure Brix (residual sugar), or alcohol? If Brix, use a hydrometer. As for alcohol, I have tried 'vinometers' - but they've been so inaccurate that I've given up. I've been searching for a less expensive, or used, ebulliometer - but so far, the only ones I can find are too spendy - anywhere from $700 to $1500. If anyone has one, or knows of one, or sale for less than $500, I'd be interested.

My local beer and wine supplies shop has an ebulliometer and charges a very reasonable fee to test a sample (£10 ~ $19 ). I wonder if you are close enough to a similar service to make it worthwhile getting a cheap high quality test done using their equipment?

The wine place brew their own wine with imported grapes, so I think they are particularly well kitted out, but you never know...

Jim

hydrometer. As for alcohol, I have tried

searching for a less expensive, or used,

from $700 to $1500. If anyone has one,

Unfortunately (or, in my opinion, FORTUNATELY) I live out in the country - the 'local' brew place is great, but doesn't have any such service. And I really want to get one of my own - I like the geeky stuff. Found one today at a wine store in TX for less than $500 - trying to find similar here in California.

Sure, in your situation I'd be thinking exactly the same thing. I can tell by the ' marks just how local it is ;)

'local' brew place is great, but

the geeky stuff. Found one today at a

reasonable fee to test a sample (£10 ~

worthwhile getting a cheap high quality test

particularly well kitted out, but you

Try Ryan at the Vintner Vault in Paso Robles . That guy has a lot of nice things and reasonable prices. Let him know Greg from Route 66 Cellars sent you , he'll treat you even better

Greg