What is my alcohol content?

[Gekko4321]

My original gravity was 1.103 and final gravity was .998. I see different formulations for this. My hydrometer says 13.9% and calculations that divide by 736 say 14.2%. Which is correct? Is this about right for the RJS EP Cab Sauv?

 

[Brent2489]

The formula I usually see (Simple one) is
ABV = (org SG – final SG) * 131.25
This yields 13.78%.

Does it REALLY matter if it is 13.8 or 14.2???
In my mind the BIG question is.....
Do YOU like the way it tastes??

Was just talking to a guy at a winery in New York and he said that they can print the % +/-1.5% That means a 14% might be 12.5 or 15.5.

 

[Gekko4321]

I actually do not know how much it matters, but might as well learn the way to calculate it. Plus need something for the label. Plus I think alcohol content suggests whether the wine was made correctly. I won't know how my wine really tastes for another year or two anyway.

 

[joeswine]

Im not sure it matters either but their are wines with high abv,and have distivtive taste of there own so taste isn't to much of a issue depending on the wine type..

...and of course your taste preferrence....................................

 

[Wade E]

I get 14.08 abv. using 134.1 as the multiplier.

 

[Gekko4321]

So what is the standard---134.1 or 131.25?

 

[cpfan]

QUOTE=Gekko4321]So what is the standard---134.1 or 131.25?[/QUOTE]

There isn't a standard. I use 133. Partly because it is in the middle of the usual range, partly because it seems to match my hydrometer.


(1.103 - .998) * 133 = .105 * 133 = 13.965%


and it seems to match your hydrometer.


BTW dividing by 7.36 is the same as multiplying by 135.8


Steve