testing & analyis

HYDROMETERS

Hydrometers are used to measure the density or specific gravity of a liquid. This measurement can then be used to determine the sugar content of the liquid, estimate potential alcohol of unfermented juices and, when used in conjunction with a refractometer, in the final determination of alcohol in wine or cider.

Vigo offers two new hydrometers specifically made for cider makers and most makers of UK wine.  The higher range of instrument (SG 1020 – 1070) is for the fresh pressed juice and can be used to track the course of the initial fermentation and the lower range instrument (SG 990 – 1020) is for the later stages and end of fermentation.  The narrow range of the SG 990 – 1020 instrument gives a greater accuracy than most other hydrometers on the market and is ideal for use with the refractometer method of alcohol determination. 

Trial jars are available – see table below.