Best way to take samples from FV?

[pittsy]

I find the best way to take samples from a FV is with a straw, but in a pinch I'll swish some whiskey around in my mouth to sanitize, then drink straight from the carboy :thumb:

This i like :rofl:

 

[graysalchemy]

Sorry to jump in on this topic guys, but I've been meaning to ask this, although it may be a bit of a stupid question. If you take a sample from the top (say with a baster), and a sample from the bottom (tap), will the readings be the same? Or will sugars drop to the bottom and give a higher reading? Like I said it's a stupid question.

In actual fact when you sample from the bottom there is usually more trub which can interfere with the reading, however this is probably more relevant to all grain brewing.

Also if you wort is not mixed properly the more dense work can sink to the bottom, we get quite a few people on here saying that their SG of their kit is lower than expected but a good stir usually solves the problem. :thumb: However it doesn't make much difference to the yeast it still gets metabolised.

 

[Jamthesun]

Anyone ever just sterilised a hydrometer and left it in the FV from start to finish?

Yes - every time. The only problem is that you tend to get yesty scum stuck on it after the first few days so you still need to clean it to get a good reading.

 

[theboytony]

I use a tap on the bottom of the FV then straight into the hydrometer test tube, soooo convenient

 

[puravida]

Ahh yes - that would be much easier than faffing about with a turkey baster each time!!

 

[graysalchemy]

As I said it can cause problems with AG especially if you had a lot of cold break transferring, or it has been an active ferment with plenty of yeast.

 

[RobWalker]

Yup, plus a tap is just another thing to leak and cause problems - they are handy, i just like to have a spare fvjust in case!