As Mythbusters’ ballistics expert, Alex Jones, has said, “Remember kids, the only difference between screwing around and science is writing it down.”
![What Is Original Gravity?](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/11681/245084/59f36f15b9758/What-Is-Original-Gravity.jpg)
Beer 101
During the brew day, one of the most important things to write down and one of the very last things to write down is Original Gravity. Original Gravity dictates whether the desired ABV will be achieved in a brew. It dictates whether the hop additions will provide the desired balance. It determines whether or not the brew day went as planned. Ultimately, it’s a measure of how well the brewer knows their brewery.
Gravity is a key measure in physics and petroleum as well as brewing and winemaking. In physics gravity is the force bringing objects together. In the contexts of petroleum and fermentation, gravity is the measure of a liquid’s density relative to water at a specified temperature. Within brewing and winemaking, the difference in density is a result of dissolved, fermentable sugars. Each increment (1/1000th) on the specific gravity scale represents a .1 percent increase in density - a 1.100 specific reading indicates a wort that is 10 percent denser than water. Most 5 percent ABV beers have an original gravity around 1.050. Bigger beers like American Barleywines and Imperial Stouts can surpass 1.100 with smaller beers like an American Light Lager or Berliner Weisse rarely exceed 1.030.
This story is from the Fall 2017 edition of The Beer Connoisseur®.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Fall 2017 edition of The Beer Connoisseur®.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Madtree 2.0- How To Grow A Brewery](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/245084/59f36b3061b6b/crp_Madtree-20-How-To-Grow-A-Brewery.jpg)
Madtree 2.0- How To Grow A Brewery
Cincinnati Brewery Doubles Down on Quality, Employees, and Charitable Giving
![Incredible Pulp Blood Orange Extra Pale Ale – Boneyard Beer – 91 Rating ​​​​​​​](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/245084/59f37adb6b856/crp_Incredible-Pulp-Blood-Orange-Extra-Pale-Ale-Boneyard-Beer-91-Rating.jpg)
Incredible Pulp Blood Orange Extra Pale Ale – Boneyard Beer – 91 Rating
Responses from Boneyard Beer’s founder and brewmaster Tony Lawrence.
![Gueuze: The Champagne of Craft Beer](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/196288/584944bf56a2f/crp_Gueuze-The-Champagne-of-Craft-Beer.jpg)
Gueuze: The Champagne of Craft Beer
With a new year swiftly approaching, it’s time to dust off that lambic basket and prepare to ring in 2017 with a beverage far superior to champagne.
![Winter Style Recommendations](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/206643/589034194414c/crp_Winter-Style-Recommendations.jpg)
Winter Style Recommendations
Think outside the Bocks with these “alt-wintry-night” beer styles.
The Mixed-Culture Master
Chad Yakobson of Crooked Stave discusses his brewing techniques and his pioneering work with Brettanomyces.
![Chasing the Rabbit: Bobby Thomas of Red Hare Brewing](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/187085/582b09dab7931/crp_Chasing-the-Rabbit-Bobby-Thomas-of-Red-Hare-Brewing.jpg)
Chasing the Rabbit: Bobby Thomas of Red Hare Brewing
The head brewer talks background, beers and bunnies.
![Why Beers Need “Packaged On” Dates](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/187085/582b0aa0acbf8/crp_Why-Beers-Need-Packaged-On-Dates.jpg)
Why Beers Need “Packaged On” Dates
I recently completed a beer trade with a couple of friends and ended up with the equivalent of two mixed six-packs after the swap.
![Foeders](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/187085/582b0b97cc238/crp_Foeders.jpg)
Foeders
The Barrel's Big Brother
![Drinking in the French Countryside](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/187085/582b0c864c10b/crp_Drinking-in-the-French-Countryside.jpg)
Drinking in the French Countryside
England, Belgium, Amsterdam, Germany and even the Czech Republic rank as noted European beer travel destinations, but what about France?
![St Bernard's A Tail Of Licker Barrels And Heroism](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11681/206643/58902be05ecdf/crp_St-Bernards-A-Tail-Of-Licker-Barrels-And-Heroism.jpg)
St Bernard's A Tail Of Licker Barrels And Heroism
The Story Behind the Most Interesting Man’s Best Friend in the World.