Does whirlfloc affect spices?

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breweRN

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It sounds like it doesn't, but does whirlfloc affect the use of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and the like?

cheers.
 
I don't think it would have much of an affect on the spices. I'm not a chemist, but I know whirlfloc coagulates with positively charged proteins (break material). As long as the spices you are using aren't "proteins" then I think you'd be fine.
 
I'm making 1 gallon test batches of a holiday spiced ale so I can have a good flavor ready for the fall.
 
breweRN said:
I'm making 1 gallon test batches of a holiday spiced ale so I can have a good flavor ready for the fall.

If you have time, make two--one with whirlfloc and one without--and let us know!
 
I also had this same thought once. Like everyone said, whirlfloc is not supposed to affect spices and such.

That being said, if I were using spices as kettle additions, I wouldn't use whirlfloc. If I were using spices in secondary- like when dry hopping- I would.

I know, there is no science or proof for this whatsoever.

My thinking is that if I want spices to come through in my beer, it is more important than acheiving a perfectly brilliant beer. Sort of a ,"just in case it does" kind of thing. No harm at all if I'm completely wrong.

Many spiced beers aren't brilliantly clear anyway....

Pez.

EDIT, I'm not a huge fan of spiced beers, but I do enjoy a lightly spiced winter ale.
 
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