Hydrometer, Their Use In Making Whiskey

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A hydrometer measures the relative density of a liquid relative to the density of water. This is referred to as Specific Gravity. Sugar water will have a density that is greater than pure water. Ethanol has a density that is less than water. The hydrometer will sink further into a solution of alcohol and not sink as far into a sugar solution. Specific Gravity is unitless. It defines the ratio of the density of a solution to the density of water. Specific Gravity is calculated like so, Specific Gravity = (Density g/cm)/(1 g/cm).

Generally a hydrometer is made use of to ascertain the sugar content of something that is going to be fermented. This may be wine must, beer or whiskey mash and even things that have absolutely nothing to do with making alcoholic beverages. Hydrometers are scaled and calibrated for each distinct purpose. For example, a hydrometer used to estimate the sugar content and potential alcohol in a whiskey mash will normally measure the Specific Gravity in a range between ~0.990 – 1.180. For anyone who is measuring distilled spirits you’ll need a liquor hydrometer that will have a proof range from 0-200 or a tralle range from 0-100. Here is some example data that shows the Specific Gravity of some well-known solutions.

Pure Water: Specific Gravity = 1.0

Pure Ethanol: Specific Gravity = 0.785

50% Ethanol: Specific Gravity = 0.8925

To measure the sugar content and potential alcohol of a mash you’ll need to use a beer and wine hydrometer. Simply take a sample of the mash and pour it into a tall graduated cylinder. The graduated cylinder might be a jar or something that is narrow and tall. Nevertheless, make sure that the cylinder is as tall or taller compared to the hydrometer. Next, lower the hydrometer into the graduated cylinder until it’s floating. Give it a little spin like a top to shake loose any air bubbles that might adhere to the hydrometer. Now you are ready to read the hydrometer. Read the number on the hydrometer that is at the same level as the liquid. You can now determine sugar content and potential alcohol presuming that both measurements are on the hydrometer.

To discover more about using a hydrometer take a look at the article “What is a Hydrometer?” If you are curious about how to make whiskey, discovering about hydrometers will be critical to your success.

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Topics: Wine Spirits | Comments Off

Tags: alcohol, density, fermeting, home brew, hydrometer, M*A*S*H, Science, specific gravity, whiskey, wine, Wine Spirits

Article Citation
MLA Style Citation:
Sutton, Alan "Hydrometer, Their Use In Making Whiskey." Hydrometer, Their Use In Making Whiskey. 3 Feb. 2012. uberarticles.com. 12 Apr 2012 <http://uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/wine-spirits/hydrometer-their-use-in-making-whiskey/>.

APA Style Citation:
Sutton, A (2012, February 3). Hydrometer, Their Use In Making Whiskey. Retrieved April 12, 2012, from http://uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/wine-spirits/hydrometer-their-use-in-making-whiskey/

Chicago Style Citation:
Sutton, Alan "Hydrometer, Their Use In Making Whiskey" uberarticles.com. http://uberarticles.com/food-and-drink/wine-spirits/hydrometer-their-use-in-making-whiskey/

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