StillSmart

When adding essence, should I cut it to 40% then add the essence?
Will adding essence effect the %?
Can I use a hydrometer after adding the essence or will it not be correct?
Cheers

You have to get it to 40% (or whatever you want to drink it at first). Adding the essence will affect the hydrometer reading.

I cut it first. They are also best left a couple of days to infuse IMO.

Thank you @chill and @Mashy
I wonder if adding 20ml of essence is the same as adding 20ml of water to the %.
Say if I were adding 200ml of water to cut it to 40%, if I added 180ml of water and 20ml of essence, would that still give 40% or does it affect it in a different way.

cut it first adding 17ml of essence makes very little difference .i leave mine mixed for 4 weeks before drinking if can wait that long