I want to talk about filtration

**mcnewcp** · 01-29-2012, 05:34 PM

Brewers,

As an avid homebrewer, I've always kept my beer unfiltered for various reasons. The only thing I remove is hop solids, post boil. I've recently discussed this issue with a friend who dumps it all into the fermenter, hop solids and all, and he swears by it. I've always thought that hop solids needed to be removed, but I have no real explanations for why. What are your thoughts/experiences?

**Revvy** · 01-29-2012, 05:41 PM

The only filtering that gets done by me, is through my kidneys. My beer is extremely clear just from long primaries, EVEN when I just dump everything into the fermenter from the kettle.

It's really one of those preferences.

**mcnewcp** · 01-29-2012, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revvy

It's really one of those preferences.

That's what I was secretly hoping to hear.

**mcnewcp** · 01-29-2012, 10:54 PM

Bump. Any more opinions?

**Golddiggie** · 01-29-2012, 11:01 PM

The only 'filtering' I do in my brews is using a hop spider for adding the hops. Everything else goes into primary. As with Revvy, I use long primaries (very rarely racking to another vessel, and then only for a damned great reason) and get very clear brews from it.

**mcnewcp** · 01-30-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golddiggie

The only 'filtering' I do in my brews is using a hop spider for adding the hops.

This is what my question was mainly about. Do you think leaving the hop solids unfiltered will have any adverse affects on flavor?

**Golddiggie** · 01-30-2012, 05:53 PM

Nope. IMO/IME flavor will (or should) be the same either way. I do find it easier to use tbe spider compared with using smaller bags for the hops. I use the spider to keep most of the hop matter out of my plate chiller.

I really started bagging my hops when I was washing my yeast. It just made it easier if I didn't need to deal with the extra organic matter. I might wash one strain soon, since its one I really like and still a "private collection" only strain. If Wyeasy does make it available year round then I won't need to wash it.

**mcnewcp** · 01-30-2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golddiggie

I use the spider to keep most of the hop matter out of my plate chiller.

I really started bagging my hops when I was washing my yeast. It just made it easier if I didn't need to deal with the extra organic matter.

Ok, none of my equipment or processes are affected by hop solids, so I think I'll just stop removing them. The only reason I did it in the first place was because I thought it would affect flavor, for some reason.

VCR · 01-30-2012, 06:37 PM

I have never thought of removing hop matter. My use of a secondary is for splitting batches and when I do this I end up with a more "filtered" beer. I've been on this kick of bottling half then doing whatever comes to mind for second half. Such as wood cubes for a stout or having a half peach half apricot pale.

I enjoy finding bits of hops in random bottles. I guess it reminds me that I made it. Although some people trying my beers make faces at this, but whatever. I have no opinion on affecting flavor as I never remove. Since you do remove hop matter you will have a great comparison on any affect by changing your method.

VCR · 01-30-2012, 06:42 PM

Oh yeah. Talking with a local brewing at his home the other day he was floored that I toss hops right in. If I had to guess I would think the 51%+ just toss hops in. He uses a hop bag and he is all about clear beer. Kind of funny 'cause my beers are the only beers I want and he doesn't like my beers at all do to the matter in them. Filtering is very important to some and doesn't cross the minds of others. To each his own