StillSmart

Ok so here goes.

Just put 5ltrs of molasses and 3kg of sugar into my fermenter and checked the gravity.
At about 26ltrs it's saying 10%
Surely that can't be right can it?
Should I add another kilo of sugar?

Did you test it a 20c? Higher temps do make a difference to OG.

My gut feel is - 1KG can't hurt. Depends would rich the molasses is the worst that happens is you spend 45p you didn't need to and it finishes a bit sweet or takes a bit longer to complete.

Remember - that is checking the specific gravity. This is quite accurate when using white sugar but molasses is loaded with non-sugar gunk that also raise the gravity. Measuring the OG is pretty useless with a molasses wash, you need to calculate it.

Thanks just added another kg of the sugar.
Just waiting for the temp to come down to pitch my yeast.
Must order that refractometer mash!!!

chill wrote:Remember - that is checking the specific gravity. This is quite accurate when using white sugar but molasses is loaded with non-sugar gunk that also raise the gravity. Measuring the OG is pretty useless with a molasses wash, you need to calculate it.

That is a very good point. I wonder how it affects a refracto reading?

No idea on the refacto, or if you could even see through it. My rum washes are blacker than a bartender's heart.

chill wrote: My rum washes are blacker than a bartender's heart.

I am loving that, and may steal it

Robert.

It is not a chill original, I stole it too.