Hydrometer -The Most Important Instrument for Distilling
Sold separately or provided in your start up kit
The SG ( specific gravity ) of the Wash has to be taken into account when fermenting
I consider this instrument the most important, takes the guess work out of distilling , SG reading is the key to maximum yield
The SG tells you when all of the sugar has been fermented to Alcohol
SG Start off reading : When you have dissolved all of the sugar , before you add the yeast . The reading should be in around 1070 or more depending on the Quantity of added sugar
6 KGS – 7 KGS -8 KGS different yeast manufactures will have there own advise
SG : should read 980-990 ( ready to cook ) this is slightly drier than water
For maximum yield from the wash
Should you NOT achieve this 980- 990 SG you will need to slightly reduce the sugar quantity
It is far better to arrive at correct SG , than to have excess UN- fermented sugar
Taste the wash prior to distilling , any sweetness is sugar .
SG , Black line , measures 1000 in water
SG : Water reads 1000 ,
SG Top White ( 80-90 ) above the red, correct reading for wash to be distilled ( 980 – 990 }
Other instruments ,
Guide to calculate alcohol content :
Measure Start SG , say 1070
Measure Finished ferment , say 980
minus 980 from 1070 equals 90
90 divided by 7.4 equals 12.16 % alcohol in the wash
Vinometer can measure the alcohol content after the flavor has been added
Also the alcohol content of bottled wine
