How do you clarify your wort before pitching?

[oldschool]

I've been brewing all grain for over a year now and have never cared to let protein break and hop material set in the fermenter. I've read texts by Noonan and he claims it absolutely necessary to have 99% clear wort prior to pitching yeast. I've hear some say that it's good for the yeast but I think that's BS. There are plenty of dissolved amino acids for yeast health. I've gotten to volunteer at a local brewery and they only whirlpool to separate hot break and hops.
I'm unable to whirlpool effectively enough to collect all the material in the center and my last brew I waited 30 minutes after cooling and it still had not all settled. Anyone have any suggestions? I boil in a converted keg.

 

[maida7]

If it's an ale I would not bother. Noonan's book is focused on lagers.

But if your determined to do it. It I'd run everything into a carboy and then give it several hours to settle. Once every thing has settled, rack off the clear wort to another carboy. IMHO it's more trouble then it's worth.

 

[oldschool]

I agree, it is more focused on lagers but why is it important in lagers and not ales?

 

[AKbrewer]

Like everything else in brewing there is more than one way to go about it. I separate what I can and don't worry about the rest.

 

[Yooper]

I agree, it is more focused on lagers but why is it important in lagers and not ales?

Because lagers are so "clean" tasting that you can pick up every nuance of flavor. What would be a flaw in a lager (diacetyl, esters, etc) is NOT a flaw in an ale.

 

[oldschool]

Because lagers are so "clean" tasting that you can pick up every nuance of flavor. What would be a flaw in a lager (diacetyl, esters, etc) is NOT a flaw in an ale.

I see what you're saying.

 

[TowsonTiger22]

To get the crap out, I've been pouring through a mesh strainer. It caught most of the hop material.

 

[Desert_Sky]

Ah yes, brewing in a Sanke.....I hated mine. The upside down dome prevents a whirlpool unless your willing to loose almost half a gallon. I used a bazooka to keep the big particulates out, but other than that its not really a biog deal for ales. But it meant whole hops instead of pellets. I could of cared less about the break material

 

[AKbrewer]

I whirlpool now (mostly to cool the wort quicker) but it also keeps the majority of the trub out, but I honestly cant tell the difference between keeping most of it out or letting most of it in...in taste that is.

 

[remilard]

IMO, hot break should always be separated. There may be an argument about cold break.

Not that there aren't other methods but a hopback is certainly an effective hot break filter.