Final Gravity Reading

[Banjo-guy]

I have a couple of questions that are in the noob category.

When drawing a sample for a gravity reading does the trub effect the reading? In other words should I try to get a clear sample? Usually the hydrometer tube has a lot of sediment in it, particularly in the bottom third.

The other question has been asked many times so please forgive me for asking it again.
If I get two or three readings of the same FG is that it ? It's ready to bottle? Even its been 10-12 days? ( or less ). What I am really asking is; does the yeast do any cleaning up after the FG has been reached?

[philm00x]

I'm not certain that it can (veterans, please chime in), but hydrometers measure density of the liquid compared to that of water, so if the trub is settled to the bottom of the tube, it shouldn't affect it. I've never wanted to take that chance, however, so before I pour my gravity sample, I'll drain the spigot into an empty cup first to get trub out, then pour my sample into the tube so that all I get is beer in it.

Getting the same reading two or more days apart means it is done fermenting, so you can bottle at this point. Many of us like to let the beer sit in the fermenter up to 3 weeks (or more) even if fermentation has stopped just so that the yeast clean up any potential off flavors that may have arisen from the process.

[mtsoxfan]

What he said... In the futue, if you prop up the spigot end with a couple of cd's, the trub won't collect at the spigot. You could always let the sample sit until the trub goes to the bottom with what you have already drawn off.

[Banjo-guy]

Thanks for the answer. Does the yeast continue to do its work cleaning up after FG is reached or does go dormant?

[FrozenInTime]

Some, a small percentage will continue to work cleaning. Most goes to sleep.

[Kealia]

Thanks for the answer. Does the yeast continue to do its work cleaning up after FG is reached or does go dormant?

It continues to work, even if most go dormant. Fermentation creates a lot of byproducts, one of which is ethanol - the alcohol that gives beer its kick. It also creates things like acetaldehyde and diacytel, among other things. You do need to give the yeast time to clean up. How long is what varies depending on who you ask, though.

Over my brewing career (which spans a lofty 3 years at this point) I've taken to letting the gravity tell me when the yeast is done, then adding just a couple of days. I no longer feel like my beer needs 3 weeks to ferment and clean up. Some use that timetable because they are happy with the results, it fits their schedules, etc. and that works for them so it's right for them. I find that the way I am doing things works for me and I haven't killed anybody yet.

Now if you see somebody suddenly stop posting and disappear it doesn't mean that they died from drinking one of my beers. Especially if it's Inkleg, Beer-lord or BlackDuck.....really......