How to use an alcoholmeter: Find your alcohol content!

|
ByThe Brew Mechanic
How to use an alcoholmeter is important for the strength of the alcohol

Disclaimer: This post might include affiliate links, through which I may earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. Additionally, I am an Amazon Associate and earn from eligible purchases. All the products and services I suggest are ones I have personally used or would use. Thank you very much for your support if you decide to buy through any of my links!

Come join the Distilling Squad!

Get the best fundamental tips & tricks here. Woohoo!

What’s an Alcoholmeter?

With this meter, you can only measure pure alcohol water mixture. This meter has been calibrated to the density and temperature of 20°C (68°C) of pure Ethanol. So understanding how to use an alcoholmeter is needed!

 The alcoholmeter sinks into the liquid to a certain depth reading the actual alcohol water ratio is. Showing the measured alcohol content percentage. 

How to Use an Alcoholmeter 

Wipe / clean rinse the test container/tube before using

Wipe clean rinse hands and alcoholmeter with alcohol if possible

You should take the sample of alcohol at 20°C (68°C) to be accurate.

Add the pure alcohol mixture slowly into the measuring tube creating no bubbles.

Insert the alcoholmeter carefully into the measuring tube till almost full.

Spin the top section of the alcoholmeter a few times, make sure there are no bubbles present and the meter in the middle of the test tube.

Simply take the reading on the side of the meter to get the % (proof) pure, raw alcohol meniscus (curved surface area of the liquid) in the mixture. Reflux column distillate should be between 90 to 95% ABV.

Always alter the alcohol to the correct strength (37 > 40%) ABV before adding the essence.

Essences added have traces of sugar, flavouring in it and will give you an inaccurate proof reading. Especially the liquor essences.

Here is a simple calculation for diluting your alcohol product by volume of water. 

Diluting your alcohol formula

What Did We Look for in an alcoholmeter?

Accuracy

One of the important things when buying an alcoholmeter is accuracy. The margin of error normally 0.1% is acceptable.

Range

Buy an alcoholmeter that can measure the full range of the spirits you are making. 

Durability

When buying the alcohol meter get one that is made of quality materials

Ease of Use

Buy one that is simple to use and understand. 

Temperature

Temperature plays a big part in the accuracy of the reading. Some hydrometers come with temp compensation conversion scales. I prefer the digital temperature thermometer. All you need to keep is spare batteries.

Price

Buy one that suits your pocket, and can be easily locally obtained.

First of all the prices can vary from $7 to $2000 depending on the type of alcoholmeter. Here you must be careful of the type of alcoholmeter chosen as some are specific to their use. 

The one problem with all glass alcoholmeters is they are fragile and can easily break if not handled correctly. You get to learn how to use an alcoholmeter as you gain experience.

TIP maintain all glass alcoholmeters must not be left on a flat surface as they will roll and possibly fall and break. After use clean and put back into its protective sheath and pack away till the next time it is used. 

Suppliers of alcohol meters.

Few to mention:

E Bay

Amazon

Brew craft shops

Distillery King

What are the advantages of using a digital alcoholmeter?

These instruments are used by professional alcohol distillers and are more accurate to a decimal point. But there is a big difference in cost between a professional meter and a simple glass one. The digital one can range from 2400 dollars to a simple glass one of 6 dollars. 

Learning how to use an alcoholmeter works is important

Understanding how to use an alcoholmeter is essential to know the percentage of alcohol after being distilled. Once you pour the raw alcohol into a jar or bottle with the correct ratios, then you can get accurate readings of alcohol percentage as a final product. It will be ready to be enjoyed safely with friends and family! 

Last Updated on Jan 24, 2024 by The Brew Mechanic

Disclosure: I may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a product or service. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy. The information provided is for entertainment only.

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.

My reviews are based on real-life experiences with reflux stills, sugar wash, troubleshooting and mystical chemical reactions.

Instagram | Facebook

Similar Posts