Dodgy alcoholometer?

[Brewhunter]

I just received an alcoholometer today so I thought I'd test it on some shop bought tequila we had knocking around the strength on the bottle 38% but the reading was 32%
I also tried it with some wine 12% which barely registered with the meter has anyone else had such problems?

[chill]

I've tested mine on commercial alcohol and it was bang on.

[GrunthosTheFlatulent]

A spirit hydrometer will not work on wine because any residual sugars will throw the readings out.

Spirit hydrometers also seem to be far more temperature sensitive.

[Sunshine]

Sugar in the Tequila?

Don't forget, it is actually with most spirits allowed to use a bit of sugar in it.

[Brewhunter]

Good point I didn't think of that

[Mash]

Be aware they are also temperature-sensitive.

I switched to refractometers - £15 off eBay, but 100 times better.

[Easydrinker]

Only ever tested mine in commercial Scotch,and they agreed with what the label stated.

Robert.