Alcohol Refractometer for Spirit Alcohol Volume Percent Measurement with Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), Range 0-80% v/v.

This works well for distilled alcohol measurements.

For discerning distillers and beverage enthusiasts, accurately measuring alcohol content is paramount. The Alcohol Refractometer promises a rapid and convenient solution, but does it deliver reliable results and justify its cost? Let's examine its strengths and weaknesses:Precise Potential:➡️ Rapid Analysis: Unlike hydrometers, which require time-consuming temperature adjustments, refractometers offer immediate results. Simply add a drop of your spirit, and the refractive index reveals the alcohol volume percentage (ABV) in mere seconds. Efficiency and precision collide!➡️ Wide Range: This refractometer typically measures ABVs between 0% and 80%, encompassing most distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, and brandy. No need for multiple tools, just one convenient solution for diverse spirit-measuring needs.➡️ Calibration Confidence: Many refractometers boast automatic temperature compensation (ATC), ensuring accurate readings regardless of ambient temperature fluctuations. Consistency is key, and ATC delivers.Pricey Ponderings:➡️ Costly Convenience: Compared to traditional hydrometers, refractometers represent a significant investment. Consider the frequency of use and desired accuracy before committing to this pricier option.➡️ Limited Scope: While effective for distilled spirits, refractometers often struggle with fermented beverages like beer or wine due to their complex sugar profiles. Versatility might be lacking for brewers and vintners.➡️ Calibration Concerns: While ATC is convenient, some models require periodic calibration with a separate solution. Factor in the additional cost and time commitment for maintaining accuracy.The Verdict:The Alcohol Refractometer offers undeniable speed, precision, and convenience for measuring distilled spirits. However, its hefty price tag, limited scope, and potential calibration needs necessitate careful consideration. For infrequent use or fermented beverages, alternative methods might be more cost-effective. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your budget, spirit types, and desired level of accuracy. Choose wisely and raise a toast to precise spirit measurement!

Just for ethanol apparently. Does not work for methanol and isopropyl alcohols. I'm not a chemist and I guess I need to look up how refractometers work. I was hoping this would tell me methanol/water concentration as used in windshield washer fluid. But it is nowhere even close on those liquids. So in fairness I can't fault this unit. I wish the listing specifically said the type of alcohol it works with or doesn't. The listing says "spirit alcohol" but that's not a scientific term unless it is alcohol pressed from ghosts and 'spirits'. So I tried it on some 5% ABV beer and it gave an indistinct reading of about 15%. I also tried some 40% Vodka and it showed exactly 40%. 40% brandy (which had a brown tint) showed 44%. So perhaps this only works on colorless ethanol solutions?

I come from a long line of moonshiners, and as a tribute to my ancestors, I've taken up the mantle.My brothers-in-law are cool dudes who appreciate a swig of the o' White Lightning, but they ask questions like "What's the proof?" and "Jesus! I bet this'll run my car/motorcycle/ATV... It's smooth, but can we moderate it?"With this device, the answer to all these questions are provided. I plan to temper (that means water down, but in a nice, "You're not a pansy" way) the moonshine I give them down to about 80 proof, since they can't handle big-boy drinks.I got the unit, put a few drops of Smirnoff 40% vodka on the prism, took a peek through the viewer, and it came in at 36%. Since I TRUST the fine folks at Smirnoff to not rip me off, I took out the itty-bitty screwdriver, peeked through the viewfinder again, and tuned the prism up to 40%. Wham!Bam! Thank you, ma'am!When I make my next run of corn liquor, I'll be able to temper it down to 80-100 proof for the folks. Excelsior!

I got one of those small oak aging barrels for Christmas then bought a size larger on sale from the seller. Went to the store and bought some legal moonshine and Everclear to increase the proof for aging. They work, the whiskey tastes great but I could tell by the heat that they were too hot and needed dilution. So i bought one of these Alcohol Refractometers. I calibrated using Reverse Osmosis water and tested the first barrel. it was 110 proof. A tad hot. I added some Poland Spring water until it proofed at 84, 42% alcohol. now we have some smooth aged bourbon to sip or make old fashion drinks to sip on the porch.

Tested against 95% cane ethanol, gave very incorrect data

If you are making wine, or spirits, this is super easy to read and understand.

Very easy to use, didn't even need calibration. Really nice product for beginner in distilling or if checking quality for restaurants.