Clarity

Just did an AG batch last weekend. After all was said and done and in my primary I realized.....S***! I forgot to add my whirlfloc tablet for clarity. Naturally this raises some questions: Is the batch ruined now by any off flavors or will it make anyone sick? Or does that just mean it won't be as clear and pretty as usual. I don't know why I forgot it I usually don't... I guess it's a good idea to not drink too much while brewing.

FWIW I've never used whirlfloc once in the three years I've been brewing and I've never had anyone complain about anything, let alone off flavors or sickness. Drink on, don't disturb the primary when racking and keep the auto-siphon off the trub and you should have no problems w/ clarity.

Sorry I was mistaken...I actually brewed 2 weeks ago... and I'm now dry hopping in my secondary.

I still wouldn't worry about it. A lot of people never use whirlfloc and still get very clear beer. If you're really worried about it just make your friends wear blindfolds while drinking it, that should fix everything.

cold crashing should help with clarity.

You could add gelatin during secondary to help.

Been brewing for 4/5 years and the only time I've had a problem with clarity is when I didn't give it a cold break and ended up with chill haze.. never used wirlfloc or any other clearing agents.. even if I've slightly shaken the FV just before bottling that settles out fine in the aging weeks..

For me good beer comes first, aesthetics second. After all, are you gonna drink it or look at it? lol

PanzerBanana said:

For me good beer comes first, aesthetics second. After all, are you gonna drink it or look at it? lol

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HAHAHA....point taken. That was half of my concern though.... that the haziness would lend any off flavors...guess not. if you guys aren't concerned I won't be.

BrewingRugger said:

You could add gelatin during secondary to help.

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I've found that gelatin seems to strip out flavors too. Not a fan

PanzerBanana said:

For me good beer comes first, aesthetics second. After all, are you gonna drink it or look at it? lol

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i used to be of that opinion, but someone recently made me more receptive to caring about color and clarity, because they do influence the experience of drinking a beer. a pale ale or a light lager that is dark and cloudy doesn't look right, and the drinker might expect something much heavier as he/she tastes it. having the color and clarity be in line with the style sets proper expectations.

but it's definitely a secondary consideration. taste comes first.


also, regarding your signature:

PanzerBanana said:

I've invented the phrase "hot lager" for lagers made at ale temperatures. Feel free to use it just give me credit!

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i have no idea if you're being facetious, but in case you're not:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_beer
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/132
and if you are, then please go back to ignoring me

Ive never used wirlifloc. My beers look like this. Yours will be fine too.

JonM said:

Ive never used wirlifloc. My beers look like this. Yours will be fine too.

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I think there is something wrong with your beer, I can see right through it (says he as he sips his oatmeal stout).