I have been experimenting with late extract additions. For my last few batches, I have done late extract additions on all of my beers. I have a couple observations about this:
-When brewing high OG beers, it is difficult to mix in all the ingredients at the last minute.
-I typically boil my wort chiller for the last 15 minutes of the boil. I have typically tried to add all my extract before that point because I was not sure it would mix all the way with the wort chiller in the way.
-I have had several recommendations to add the majority of the extract at flameout, but have avoided doing so because of the above comment.
-It absolutely lightens the color of the beer.
-I am concerned that if I add extract at flameout, it will not go through the "hot break" process. I believe this has an effect on the clarity (and possibly flavor?) of the beer.
Can anyone provide comments/recommendations for my above points? I'm particularly concerned with how people do late extract additions with the wort chiller, and how important the hot break is. I am welcome to any recommendations to improve my process.
-When brewing high OG beers, it is difficult to mix in all the ingredients at the last minute.
-I typically boil my wort chiller for the last 15 minutes of the boil. I have typically tried to add all my extract before that point because I was not sure it would mix all the way with the wort chiller in the way.
-I have had several recommendations to add the majority of the extract at flameout, but have avoided doing so because of the above comment.
-It absolutely lightens the color of the beer.
-I am concerned that if I add extract at flameout, it will not go through the "hot break" process. I believe this has an effect on the clarity (and possibly flavor?) of the beer.
Can anyone provide comments/recommendations for my above points? I'm particularly concerned with how people do late extract additions with the wort chiller, and how important the hot break is. I am welcome to any recommendations to improve my process.