my first homebrew

[dps]

hi i am just about to start my very first homebrew..
its a woodfordes wherry real ale.
what i need to know is.
when you take the first hydometer reading is it before or after you add the yeast..
many thanks in advance for your help

 

[shearclass]

I don't know why, but you should take your reading before adding yeast.

 

[joe1002]

The hydrometer is used to measure the sugar in your beer. So in theory it probably doesn't matter if you test before or just after adding the yeast as it wouldn't have had a chance to ferment the sugars yet.

Having said that, I have always tested before adding the yeast, again no real reason why.

The only argument I can see is if you put your hydrometer (or indeed trial jar) into the liquid after you have pitched the yeast then you will invariably disturb it and potentially remove some when you remove your hydrometer (by way of the yeast being stuck to it).

Just my thoughts, there may well be a better reason out there?