Forgot to test OG

[R-9]

Hi
well my first kit is now in the pressure barrel, and I realised that I should have checked the OG before putting the yeast in so I never got a reading.

It's a woodfordes wherry so I'm hoping for a 4.5% but I was wondering if I can ever find out the ABV now or if it's too late?

I had a taste and it was delicious but didn't taste very strong. Would the alcoholic 'bite' (flavourwise) come with more time in secondary fermentation? :hmm:

cheers all :

I have thoroughly enjoyed the process and look forward to my next brew!

 

[RobWalker]

Did you just make it up to instructions? If so it's about 1.040 - 1.042 on a wherry. the fermentables are definitely in there so it comes out the same.

not sure about the bite, i found it well balanced. it will taste better in time, but i usually find it's smoother, not sharper!

 

[BrotherMalice]

I didnt on my 1st brew, its not essential, I think the general concensus was drink a few and see how I feel...

Not much help really but so long as it tastes good I wouldnt worrk too much so long as you were sure fermentation had finished :)

 

[R-9]

Cheers for replies. Only reason I wondered about 'bite' was it's more like drinking diluted honey at the moment!
Yeah followed instructions and it was in FV for quite a while so should have done it's thing.

I think the 3 pint test should give me a close enough estimation, I won't bother trying to get an accurate reading!

thanks

 

[RobWalker]

Did you measure fg? Sweet taste could be a high OG...

 

[RobWalker]

High sg, sorry.

 

[R-9]

I haven't measured anything actually. Oh well the proof will be in the drinking... no pun intended!

 

[dave_h]

The sweetness is the sugar that has not been converted to alcohol yet, as the yeast much through the sugar the sweetness will go.

I have not tried your kit so cant comment on taste but if you want more “bite” do you mean more alcohol or bitterness? Personally I don’t really want to taste the alcohol but I do like my beers reasonably bitter. Most kits can be improved with some hops but its worth leaving this till you have a couple of brews under your belt to get the basics sorted.

 

[Baldbrewer]

Hi,
Before your next brew try calibrating your FV.
If you search for " calibrating" it should bring up the relevant posts.
These FV's can be out (mine was +3 pints out ) this can contirbute to your brew being a bit thinner and a lower ABV than expected.
Good luck it's a great hobby with equally great and helpful fellow brewers.
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