Quote Originally Posted by can123 View Post
Quote Originally Posted by piwanoi View Post
Thinking about it now Can123 am I correct in thinking you have to use the Hydrometer twice, once before fermentation and once when its finished? ,I have always used a Alco meter /vinometer in the past which is simplicity itself ,now thanks to our pooch I ain't got it no more.
No, there is an even simpler method. Stick your float in a botlle of 12%, 4% and any others you can put your hands on and calibrate accordingly. No need for all the "over the top" measurements outlined in most of the sites. It's only going to be a guide anyway. The most useful way of determining complete fermentation is the cessation of carbon dioxide production.

Obviously, you should calibrate using still liquids, not carbonated ones.
Yeah straight in the bottle reads right to me ,I have got a vino meter on order from England which will be here Nov 8, these are bang on so I will be able to compare the two Vino meter and Hydrometer!.