Whirlfloc in Extract with Specialty Grain Brew

Do I need whirlfloc, or Irish moss, in an extract with specialty grain ale?

John Palmer recommends that you don't. Back in my previous brewing days I would use it in all grain and seem to remember it being used in extract recipes by Papazian and others. I did notice that my first brew since back to brewing, which was extract with specialty grains, lacked body and I did use whirlfloc. I did get good head retention but there was plenty of chill haze. I would like to eliminate chill haze but have good body, in my beer. Any opinions?

Chill haze and body don't have any bearing on each other, so you can use irish moss/whirlfloc without worries there. Body depends entirely on the extract you're using.

I used Northwestern Extra Light LME.

Would there be any point in using Whirlfloc?

Use it!!!!! It will only help make your beer clearer. Unless you're brewing a hefe, I'd say use it.

Bassman said:

I used Northwestern Extra Light LME.

Would there be any point in using Whirlfloc?

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Well, I don't know what the body characteristics are of the different types of extract, I'm just saying that with an extract recipe you're at the mercy of the manufacturer for things like that.