Testing a 1 gallon batch

[Urbangoose]

I get the importance of Hydrometers and testing beer at key stages - but if I am brewing small 1 Gallon batches in a demijohn- how do I test without wasting my precious commodity? If I sterilise - am I ok testing in the DJ directly?

 

[Cwrw666]

Yes, but have you figured out how to get the hydrometer out once you've dropped it into the DJ?
By the way, it's not all that important. I take the OG when the yeast goes in and the FG when fermentation is finished, from which I calculate the %ABV. But it's hardly important, gonna drink it anyway...

 

[Urbangoose]

Is there a general FG target I should be aiming for before bottling?

 

[MyQul]

I dont often make 1G batches now, usually I make 2G. Simply for the reason you state, testing the gravity, using a hydrometer, uses a lot of the wort/beer for such a small batch size

 

[MyQul]

Is there a general FG target I should be aiming for before bottling?

No, it depends on the attenuation of the yeast and what your OG is. The higher the OG the higher the FG (and versa visa) in general

 

[Urbangoose]

Thanks - small batches working well for me as learning and inconsistent. Fermentation is the point of my concern hence my focus on testing. I have some brews where the fermentation visibly last days, and some where it’s vigorous but seemingly over in 48 hrs - using different yeasts, following recipes ... I presume this is normal?

 

[MyQul]

Yes, this is normal. Generally what determines fermentation speed is, yeast type (strain), yeast amount, Gravity, (and a big one) temperature of fermentation.


1 Gallon brews are great for learning the ropes (just look at how many people Clibit's AG 'Have a go...' thread has turned on to AG) or testing things out . But their not very good in terms of return for effort as you loose so much beer from trub and gravity tests. Once you've happy with the process I recommend switching to at least 2G batches - Im a small batch brewer myself as this suits my set up/small kitchen

 

[Urbangoose]

What do you use to ferment your 2G batches in?

 

[MyQul]

10L/2G FVs. I bought them from a online HBS. Cant remember which one as I've had them so long

Edit: They're tthe Youngs 10L/2G ones

 

[foxbat]

You can use a long pipette and a refractometer to determine that fermentation is complete. The reading will be wrong because of the presence of alcohol but you don't care what it says only that it doesn't change for a few successive days. It will only cost you one drop per measurement and only the glass tip of the pipette touches the beer. Easy to sterilize.

Once you're satisfied fermentation is complete you can take your final reading with a hydrometer while bottling.