Help with determining SG

[Siwash]

Here's the pre-fermentation and nearly the end of fermentation - please tell me what my numbers are and are they proper? The third pic is the beginning. Thanks!

 

[cmason1957]

Better than just telling you, here is a link to a thread that explains how to read that hydrometer.

https://www.winemakingtalk.com/threads/how-to-read-hydrometer.10346/

 

[Siwash]

Thanks... I was the kid who cheated on the math test!

 

[sour_grapes]

But to give you a VERY rough idea, I would say you have something like 1.105 to start, and something like 0.994 at the end.

 

[Siwash]

But to give you a VERY rough idea, I would say you have something like 1.105 to start, and something like 0.994 at the end.

thanks. Are these "good" numbers?

 

[Siwash]

I just calculated my abv. 14.5%

nice...

It tastes alright too... I made this with a cheap Costco kit. But instead of topping concentrate with 23L I only went to 20L. In the past this wine kit (merlot) was flabby/weak. So I figured I'd try this. I also addd more oak chips - Hungarian

I am making this for my mom. Hopefully it turns out well! Thanks

 

[sour_grapes]

thanks. Are these "good" numbers?

Not sure what you mean.

If, by "good," you mean that I have authenticated those values, then "No, they are not good numbers."
If, by "good," you mean that those numbers are typical and/or favorable for the winemaking process, then, yes, those are good numbers.

 

[Siwash]

I meant the latter. I watched and read some of the info posted above. I get it now. Thanks.
One challenge is trying to read with a prominent miniscus

 

[oppyland]

One challenge is trying to read with a prominent miniscus

The actual value isn't really all that critical. As long as you read the same way every time you're going to get the information you need.

 

[winemaker81]

The actual value isn't really all that critical. As long as you read the same way every time you're going to get the information you need.

Agreed. Additionally, each line is 2 "points", so if you're off, you're typically off by 1 point. If the OG is 1.105 or 1.106, there is no significant difference, e.g., you're not going to do anything different.

 

[BigDaveK]

Two cents...
I bought my second hydrometer specifically for later in the fermentation process. Smaller range. SO much easier to read.
My tired eyes are happy.