Original gravity (OG)
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Measurements and calculations”.
Explanation
Sugar content of the wort before fermentation. English-speaking brewers give it as specific gravity (SG), e.g. 1.048; in Europe it is often given in degrees Plato (12 °P ≈ SG 1.048). It determines how much alcohol the beer can have.
Work it out yourself
Final beer calculator – Work out the alcohol content, attenuation, colour and bitterness of your beer – before brewing as a plan, and afterwards with your measured values.
Test your knowledge
What is original gravity?
- The alcohol content of the finished beer
- The amount of dissolved solids, mainly sugar, in the wort before fermentation
- The amount of hops per litre
Show answer
Correct: The amount of dissolved solids, mainly sugar, in the wort before fermentation. Original gravity is given in degrees Plato or as specific gravity (SG). Together with final gravity it gives the alcohol.
What does the BU:GU ratio describe?
- The bitterness per glass
- The ratio of bitterness to original gravity
- The ratio of colour to alcohol
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Correct: The ratio of bitterness to original gravity. A value of around 0.5 is considered balanced. Below it a beer seems malty, above it hoppy.
What do you get in Switzerland when you order a “Spez”?
- A slightly stronger pale lager
- A wheat beer
- An alcohol-free beer
Show answer
Correct: A slightly stronger pale lager. Spezialbier has a little more original gravity and alcohol than the regular lager.
Related terms
All terms in “Measurements and calculations” · Brewing glossary