Hydrometers
Hydrometers are used to measure the density of the
wort and of the
beer. Although it is not essential to have one, it is the most reliable
method of determining when fermentation is complete and the beer ready
to Bottle.
Special beer hydrometers are made with a scale covering the range of
density from 1000 to 1100. To find the density, some beer is run into
the hydrometer jar and the hydrometer floated in it-, make certain that
no bubbles adhere to the hydrometer. Then the eye is placed level with
the liquid in the jar and the density read off the scale on the
hydrometer.
As fermentation proceeds, and the sugar used, the density of the beer
falls. Consequently, the hydrometer sinks lower. When the reading falls
below 1006, fermentation is complete and the beer can be bottled. Most
beer hydrometers are marked with a red line at 0 a density below which
it is safe to bottle the beer. But remember: The lower density reading
is actually above the red line.
Beer hydrometers often have an additional scale showing the amount of
sugar in the wort and the percentage of alcohol it will produce in the
beer. The wort should be quite cool before you measure the density,
otherwise you will obtain the wrong result.
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