Sampling for O.G.

[Kiltlifter]

I've only done a couple batches so bear with me. Both times I brewed with people who've done it before and they had a feel for when it was time to bottle (didn't take an O.G. reading). How do you get a sample out without letting air in?

Just unclear on the process before bottling. Thankx in advance.

[tomnt1]

From what I can see, the answer will be varied. Some watch for the bubbles to subside and others stick to the FG reading. I took FG of my second batch because I was wondering about it.

My first batch I just waited for the bubbles to slow down to about one every minute..it turned out fine.

The air getting in I don't think will be a big deal, I just pop the cap off and siphon a little out to take the reading then replace the airlock.

[Tweek]

I use a wine thief, which is basically a turkey baster without the ball on the end. Air doesnt get in because the container is full of c02 and that is heavier than o2. If you want to take a sample from a bucket, I suggest you take it out of the hole that your airlock is in, instead of taking off the lid which could lead to oxygenation.

[paul84043]

I highly recommend making gravity readings a standard part of your brewing routine. It's a good indicator of how your process is going, plus it can tell you if something is amiss, say you repeat a particular beer alot because you like it. You typically take a reading when you transfer, and one time, the reading is considerably different from the norm, maybe you did something different in the process, maybe your beer has an infection?
I use it in conjunction with the other signs, but it's another way to stay that much more in touch with your process.
Just my personaly thoughts....