abv calc

[stephent]

I have done 2 mexican cervezas now, both slightly different.

1st - 1.5k brewing sugar, OG - 1046, FG - 1006 after 7 days = 5.4%
2nd - 1k normal sugar, OG - 1038, FG - 1002 after 10 days = 4.9%

The second batch i left in the FV for a little longer, and fermenation clearly kept going, creating more alcohol. I am guessing the first batch kept fermenting after bottling, probably giving me a higher ABV than I stated above.

Do you guys usually leave until fermentation is totally complete, or bottle if it hits 1006. Am i right in saying if i bottle as soon as it hits 1006, then its possible that my abv will be incorrect?

 

[jamesb]

You should leave it until fermentation is complete otherwise you run the risk of it fermenting too much in the bottle and the bottles exploding. Or too much yeast in the bottles causing off flavours as the yeast dies.