How to use a specific gravity hydrometer is easy if you follow along. This hydrometer measures the specific gravity (SG) and potential alcohol (PA).
The specific gravity hydrometer also called the triple scale distilling hydrometer provides 3 choices of readings in one hydrometer. The reading we focus on when we use this hydrometer is the Specific Gravity (SG).
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Watch the Hydrometer Video Tutorial
The 3 Scales on the Gravity Specific Hydrometer
- Specific Gravity: (0.99-1.16)
- Potential Alcohol: (0%-20%)
- Brix/Balling: (0-35)
Each reading is different depending on what of spirits you are making. Refer to the instructions that came with the hydrometer you purchased.
What Does a Specific Gravity Hydrometer Measure?
A specific gravity hydrometer measures the sugar content of the wash and the mash to determine the potential alcohol (PA). Many distillers will also call the specific gravity a “brewing hydrometer”. Yes, it can be very confusing for all the “names and labels”.
Today, we will only be discussing and demonstrating the specific gravity hydrometer and how to use it.
When to Take a Specific Gravity Reading?
The specific gravity hydrometer is used 2 or more times during the moonshining process. The first reading is before adding or pitching the yeast. The second reading is when the fermentation has stopped in the mash, wort, or wort. Grab your Batch Record Labels!
How to Take a Specific Gravity Hydrometer Reading
Taking a reading with a specific gravity hydrometer is easy. Make sure you have enough liquid in the test jar at least up to the top reading on the jar. If you purchased the hydrometer kit, a 250 ml test jar will be included.
The specific gravity hydrometer kit with the glass test cylinder is highly recommended over the test kit with the plastic cylinder for many reasons. The glass cylinder is easier to sanitize and keep clean and the plastic cylinder which is much harder to clean and see-through.
Never drop or plunge the hydrometer in the test jar, especially in the glass test jar, or most likely you can break the hydrometer.
Spinning the Specific Gravity Hydrometer
Gently place the hydrometer in the jar and lightly give it a spin. By spinning the hydrometer, you are ensuring it does not stick to the side of the jar and releases any air bubbles that could interfere with reading the scale.
Make sure to document your readings on a grain bill or other chart that you use to keep your notes in. This will be vital for future replication if you absolutely love the final product and wish to make the same again. Or if the product does fail, you may not want to repeat that mistake again!
Steps to Use a Hydrometer in Moonshine Mash
- Add enough mash liquid or wash to the test jar
- Take a reading with the specific gravity hydrometer
- Write down the OG (original gravity) aka Starting Gravity (SG) reading on the grain bill sheet
- If the specific gravity reading is below 1.05 add more sugar and take another reading if you want more potential alcohol
- If the mash temperature is between 95-100 degrees, add yeast or follow the yeast packet recommendations
- Ferment the mash for 5-14 days or when the activity has stopped in the airlock
- Take another reading with the specific gravity hydrometer to ensure all the sugars have been converted to alcohol
- Write down the FG (final gravity) reading on the grain bill sheet
- Write down the estimated potential alcohol (PA) from your mash on your sheet too
Using a Specific Gravity Hydrometer With Mash
After the mash or wash has finished fermenting which can take up to 2 weeks; take a final reading with a specific gravity hydrometer and write down the final gravity or (FG) as stated in the steps above. You will need this to compare notes to the SG-(OG) to get your percentage of PA.
In Conclusion How to Use a Specific Gravity Hydrometer
Understanding the use of the specific gravity hydrometer and its important role in making spirits is key. You will need more than one type of hydrometer to make moonshine. Each one has its own service and cannot be interchanged.
Knowing how and when to use a hydrometer aid in helping to a better-finished product.
Links for Permits and Info for Moonshine
Start by checking out the website TTBGOV for any legal questions you may have or need to be answered. They have many links for permits and licenses that you may consider applying for.
Ways to Use Moonshine
Would you like other ways to use moonshine? Our parent blog and channel have the how-to, recipes, and more. Check out How to Make Moonshine Vanilla Bean Extract, it is amazing!
Have you ever had moonshine horseradish? Check out the blog and video, Amazing Horseradish Mustard Recipe, you will be astonished how easy it is to make!
I love making non-toxic cleaners with moonshine! Yes, it’s so easy. Check out Non-Toxic Cleaners on the blog.
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This is amazing! Never knew what this was or how to use it, now I feel like a pro! Thank you for sharing this!