why does this keep happening

[AdamLucko]

8 lbs - 2-row malt 1.7-2L
1 lb Cara Red malt 20L
2 lbs Honey Malt
1 lb flaked corn

some hops... mash 145F for 1.25 hrs

pre-boil gravity 1.054
Original Gravity 1.060 (after cold crash and into fermenter)
and of course my problem like always
final gravity 1.038

Done with refractometer
US-05 safale. 3 weeks in fermenter at 18-22C

This always happens to me... My final gravity is always way to high.



Volume is 5.5 gal into fermenter.

I like the taste but just not getting that umph that I like in my brew!

Any suggestions?
Thanks all!

 

[Psylocide]

You need to convert the measurement because the refractometer does not work well with alcohol in solution.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/learn/resources/refractometer-calculator/

Or better yet, use a hydrometer for your post-ferment measurements.

 

[doug293cz]

I use the calculator here: http://seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/.
According to that calculator, your FG is about 1.022. Better than 1.038, but still on the high side. Your mash time may have been too short for the low mash temp.

Brew on

 

[hunter_le five]

I would recommend using a hydrometer for FG. Those refractometer conversion calculators are always finicky for me. Of course YMMV.

In any case, it sounds like you are not adjusting your refractometer FG measurement, which is not accurate after active fermentation has started, as Psylocide pointed out. Alcohol skews the reading.

How are you pitching yeast? Are you rehydrating? Dry sprinkling?

 

[stuknkrvl]

Yep. Learn to love your hydrometer. I bought a refractometer because I thought it would save beer, but I found out the hard way (just like you) that refractometers aren't accurate once there's alcohol in the mix.

 

[bigdaddybrew]

3 pounds of crystal malt can leave a high final gravity. I just mashed a cream ale at 148f for 60 minute with 8 oz of carapils OG 1.046, FG 1.006 in 10 days using 15 grams of Coopers pitched dry at 68f. Have you calibrated your thermometer?