how to tell when sugar wash is done fermenting
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A simple way of how to tell when sugar wash is done fermenting is by checking the following:
- Fermentation if finished once all the sugar has been used up, and converted to alcohol.
- Do a test by checking the FG, which should be in the region of .95 > .98. From here, you then do a potential alcohol check. OG – FG X Factor = Alcohol you can expect from the wash.
- Check the FG, reseal and check again within 24 to 48 hours if there is no change in the hydrometer reading, then fermentation if finished.
- Before opening up the fermenter, push the centre of the fermenter, and no bubbles should escape via the airlock
- The top section of the fermenter has started to clear
- Once the fermenter lid is off, there must be no small bubbles or reactions on the surface.
- There should be a colour change (light) on top of the fermenter, you can see it starting to separate without adding the flocculent.
- Do not flocculate the batch if it has not been fully fermented. This leads to lots of other troubles.
Last Updated on July 6, 2025 by The Brew Mechanic
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With 35 years of knowledge of being a chemical engineer in alcohol manufacturing plants, my mission is to teach the next generation of home distilling alcohol brewers at a supernatural speed.
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