The Spirits Regulations 1991

Ascertainment of original gravity after fermentation has commenced (2nd method)

16.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, when fermentation has commenced in any wash so that the original gravity of the wort from which the wash is made cannot be ascertained by an approved means, the original gravity may be determined in the following manner—

(a) a sample is to be taken from any part of such wash and, after clearing the sample of insoluble matter in an approved manner, the gravity of the sample shall be ascertained using a means approved by the Commissioners under section 3(2) of the Act;

(b) the gravity ascertained as in paragraph (a) above shall be adjusted by an addition established in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) below, and the gravity so adjusted shall be deemed to be the original gravity of the wort; provided always that if the original gravity is known to be greater than the figure obtained in the manner set out in this regulation, or is found to be greater by the employment of the method set out in regulation 15 above, the greater figure shall be deemed to be the original gravity of the wort;

(c) an addition for fermentation which has taken place shall be established initially from six samples taken from separate batches of wash (which shall be given reference numbers 1 to 6), by finding the gravity of each sample both as determined by the method set out in regulation 15 above and as ascertained by the method set out in paragraph (a) above, and calculating the average of the excess of the former over the latter for the six samples;

(d) the established addition for fermentation referred to in paragraph (b) above shall be verified during each month by taking one sample of wash (which shall be given the next reference number in the same series), finding for this sample as heretofore the excess of the gravity determined by the method set out in regulation 15 above over the gravity ascertained by the method set out in paragraph (a) above, and calculating the average of the said excess for this sample and the previous five samples in the series, and where the new average differs by more than 0.5 degrees from the current established addition, the new average shall become the established addition.

(2) The procedures provided for by paragraph (1) above shall be carried out afresh where—

(a) there is a change—

(i) in the composition of the wort or of the yeast; or

(ii) in any plant, practices or processes used in the manufacture of spirits; and

(b) such change may affect any addition for fermentation that may be established (as described in paragraph (1) above).