To answer your question: Measure the OG (Original Gravity) after the wort is
cooled, before you pitch. If you want to know your ABV then you will need to
measure the gravities - the OG and the FG (Final Gravity).

If you don't care what you get, or rely on the predictions of the
grain/extract then going without is ok.


peterlonz wrote:[color=blue]
> Just follow the prescribed method carefully & forget the damned hydrometer.
> I brewed for 20 years without one & even now I use only very occasionally.
> Many advanced brewers will need to use much more routinely but I imagine you
> have used a kit which is exactly the right place to start.
>
> Pete
>
>
> <annonymous@newsfeeds.com> wrote in message
> news:q63nn29677u9p256739vnnvk9puj19cs53@4ax.com...[color=green]
>> I've just brewed my first batch
>> Package Pale Ale
>>
>> At what time in the process should I you make the starting gravity
>> reading?
>> After the wort is cooled? After it's pitched?
>>
>> In all my readings I haven't been able to find this .
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Don
>>
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>
>[/color]


--
Mike Vore
[url]http://www.OhMyWoodness.com[/url]
[url]http://mike.vorefamily.net/twr[/url]