Sunday, June 27, 2010

Notes on Gravity

Always read the Original Gravity (OG) before pitching the yeast. Measure the Final Gravity (FG) before bottling. After you bottle it the priming sugar will throw off the measurement and beyond that the carbonation would probably make it hard to read in addition to also having changed the density of the beer.

To calculate the approximate alcohol by volume (ABV) of the beer:
OG - FG * 129 = approximate alcohol by volume%
example: 1.045 - 1.015 = .030, .030 * 129 = 3.9%

Adjustments
Hydrometers tend to be manufactured for 60 degrees Fahrenheit (I wish I could find one that was designed to be read at room temperature!). So when reading the OG and FG some adjustment is usually required:

wort is 60F-No adjustment needed
70F-add 1 point
77F-add 2 points
84F-add 3 points
95F-add 5 points
105F-add 7 points

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fort Collins Retro Red

 My pal Ted brought me a 6-pack of Retro Red the other week for my birthday.  THANKS Ted!

It has a great malty taste and the nose reminds me of a good boil session going on in the kitchen of brews past.  Just the hint of Tettnang hops in there, the Retro Red seems to fit well with the 9D Irish Red Ale guidelines.  Now to find a local retailer!


 Bottoms Up to the Fort Collins Brewery