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Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 11:27 am
by ScottishMike
Hi there!

I'm brand new to this - my first batches of cider and (sort of) wine have been bubbling away for a week now! :D

I just wanted to ask if anyone knows of an accurate way to measure alcohol content? I plan on doing a few batches to experiment and I'm keeping all my recipe details, but I'd like to be able to be able to keep an accurate record of alcohol content as well as notes on taste, flavour etc.

Thanks

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 2:21 pm
by ezcaps
Yes. You need to buy a hydrometer. Take a measurement before and after brewing. The difference between the two is the alcohol content.

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:38 pm
by ultraputa
the batch I botteled today:

Cider

Initial density: 1.062 g/l
Final density: 0.998 g/l
Alcohol content (by volume): 8.4%

I use this alcohol calculator http://www.brewersfriend.com/abv-calculator/. It is very easy to use, maybe not the most accurate, but more than enough for what I need.

Here you are an explanation of what the online calculator does: http://www.brewersfriend.com/2011/06/16 ... r-updated/

An hygrometer is cheap and easy to use... so go for it!

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 10:02 pm
by ScottishMike
Cool - thanks for the advice guys. I found this one with a quick Amazon search. Is it adequate?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Home-Brew-Wine- ... 457&sr=8-1

Thanks
Mike

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:17 pm
by ultraputa
YES!

maybe you also need somewhere to put the hygrometer, you could bot put it inside the bottle :mrgreen:

You can find it in most homebrew supplies shops. Plastic one is OK and no need to have any scale.

Image

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 2:23 pm
by tharaxis
I have to ask how you measure with a hydrometer when these E-Z-Caps make a carbonated beverage.

I've made wine before so I know how to use the hydrometer.. and when I started my first 3 E-Z-cap bottles i measured with the hydrometer. All were around 1.09..

THen when done about 8 -9 days later... the hydrometer just floats to the top (and I am guessing because of the carbonation) ...

So I cannot seem to get an accurate density reading.

Do I need to let the liquid sit for awhile or something? Just not sure what I am doing wrong..

Thanks

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Tue May 01, 2012 10:48 am
by ultraputa
try to move the hydrometer to remove the bubbles from the glass, it works for me.


1.09 g/l?? it won't be a light beverage :)

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Tue May 01, 2012 3:26 pm
by tharaxis
No it is definately strong.. haha my G/f cant even drink it (But i like it)

I will have to try to move the hydrometer tonight and see what I can come up with.

I wasn't seeming to have any luck before though. I tried pushing it down and it just popped back up to almost completely out.

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2012 3:45 pm
by smokediverxxx

Re: Can you accurately measure alcohol content?

PostPosted: Sat Nov 03, 2018 10:42 am
by Paleb
Informative thanks for the help 8-)