Jump to content

Measuring SG and FG in an all grain corn mash


rickthenewb

Recommended Posts

Hi guys, I am having a hard time measuring SG and FG when doing all grain mashes.

Our mashes are 2lbs per gallon.

My question is how do you know what it is with so much solids and then when you take your final most of the grain is at the bottom so should I mix it up again?

Thank you in advance

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

After mash, you need to strain out some mash liquid to remove solids and then measure SG.  Depending on your enzymes, you may get more some increased conversion in early fermentation, but not much.  You should be close enough.  Then do the same after ferment. 

We use a medium fine wire mesh strainer (kitchen style) and a wooden spoon back and forth to allow liquid to strain into a pitcher that we then pour into a graduated cylinder for measuring.   Easy peasy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I pull from the top and do not stir up. I figure that if there are any residual sugars they are dissolved though out the liquid. If you are very concerned about it you could try both ways and see if there is a difference. I don't focus too much on gravity readings, and pay more attention to my yields to determine the success of a ferment.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, adamOVD said:

I pull from the top and do not stir up. I figure that if there are any residual sugars they are dissolved though out the liquid. If you are very concerned about it you could try both ways and see if there is a difference. I don't focus too much on gravity readings, and pay more attention to my yields to determine the success of a ferment.

Stir it up, they will stratify a lot after fermentation agitation has slowed.

  • Thumbs up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
On 2/2/2020 at 6:32 PM, rickthenewb said:

Hi guys, I am having a hard time measuring SG and FG when doing all grain mashes.

Our mashes are 2lbs per gallon.

My question is how do you know what it is with so much solids and then when you take your final most of the grain is at the bottom so should I mix it up again?

Thank you in advance

 

During my cooling process, the beer is undisturbed for a time, and I can generally get sufficient clean liquid for a sample at that point for my SG. 

For my FG, I generally process to separate grains and liquids the day before the run, and take my FG from the settled liquid part way through transfer to the still.  

On occasions where I cant get a clean enough sample, I take a larger sample than normal, and let it sit undisturbed so the solids fall to the bottom, and at that point I have access to a measurable quantity of liquid.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...