StillSmart

Hi all,
What is the best way, if at all, of taking an instant reading of the ABV of a liquid under 20%? I use a alcohol hydrometer, but it only has a reading of 20-98% I know I can take a hydrometer reading before and after fermentation of my mash, but is there a lower scale alcohol reading bit f kit?
Thanks and sorry in advance of the silly question!

There is a cheap set of 3 alcohol hydromters [alcoholometers] on ebay which give you full rage.

Brilliant.

I will see if I can find...

EDIT: Here they are

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3pcs-Alcoholm ... SwCGVX7dZX

Hi Stillmaturing

20% to 98% would be a perfect scale for me to use in my parrot, don't suppose you got it off the inter web and have a link to it?

That seems odd, I have two spirit hydrometers (different makes) and they both read from 0-100%.

What are you wanting to measure?

The only way to know the abv of a wash is to measure or calculate your Original Gravity, measure your Final Gravity and do the maths or use an online calculator. You can't measure abv of a wash with a spirit hydrometer because any residual sugar will give you a false reading.

As GTF says you can't measure fermented liquid with a spirit hydrometer. You need to use a brewing hydrometer, and you need to measure before and after fermentation to calculate the ABV.

The million dollar question for me is are we talking about wash (wine) or spirit.

I though it was a spirit question, now I am not sure.

I'm scratching my head too here.....
Wash or low spirit wines?

Robert.

I've now read the OP 4/5 times...

SM quote...I use a alcohol hydrometer,

but then you say...I can take a hydrometer reading before and after fermentation of my mash,

This is the confusing part of the OP...as Mash said..are we on about a mash or likker??

I read it as wanting to know what alcohol is in the wash with a view to knowing what to expect from strip run.

Knowing strength of wash mixed with feints from last run seems reasonable, as does knowing strength of any other concoction before a still run. (point noted about it may still have some sugar in which screws results, though it shouldn't if fully fermented)

edit : on reflection, that is exactly the point, I think. It's a complete pain in the ass to use original gravity to figure abv when molasses etc are used.

Once you have spirit I prefer to use a narrow range hydrometer for what you are planning on measuring.

Nice pic you are sharing.
Quite a set you have, makes the cheap Chinese set of three sink into oblivion.
If you still are able to find/post a link, I for one would love it.
Hey, It's nearly Xmas,and I deserve a pressy!

Robert.

Robert, you know you want this ... https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/273296956/1900s-imperial-russian-gold-plated?

I might deserve that one, but suspect that the Capt's set may cost a little less?

Robert.

I won't bank it. That looks like a quality set the Capt has there.