Is this cheescloth worth using for brewing?

[badbrew]

I'm considering going with something with less hassle than the reusable hop bags for straining hops and grains and then tossing afterwards. Does anybody use these or have another recommendation at local store? I also wonder if it is a bag or not. I doubt it, but it doesn't say. So would I tie it with ordinary string if it works?

4 sq. yd. Cotton Cheesecloth (12-Pack)-K-99489 at The Home Depot

 

[birvine]

Not sure. But at the same store you can probably get a paint strainer bag and just rinse it out afterwards. Simple and already in bag form.

B

 

[unclephilly]

At the place where I get all my grains and goodies to brew, they have cheesecloth socks. One end is sewn together. Makes for SUPER easy hopping. Measure out the hops, put it in the sock, tie sock off, add as needed, enjoy tastey beverage!

 

[unionrdr]

Yeah,the hop/grain socks look just like fine mesh cheese cloth to me. We used to use it to sock brined hams & slabs of bacon for smoking. Idk why folks insist on calling it muslin. I was always taught that muslin was more like an airy cloth,but not mesh like as chees cloth hop/grain socks are. They're easy to clean as well. Empty,rinse well,then soak in a closed container with PBW for a week or so. You can see the stains settle out of them. Then rinse again & hang up to dry. I hang mine from the clamp on my desk lamp. Some of the pour pics in my gallery show'em. Just fan'em out,& clamp down.

 

[HopSong]

I'm sticking with a nylon bag.. I have a kit that came with a cheesecloth sock.. and will probably use it for this batch.. But, nylon bags are cheap one time buys and are less than that cheese cloth pack. My opinion.. others will differ.

 

[J8D]

I went the bulk cheesecloth route when I forgot to get hop bag for dry hopping so I used a chunk of my big game bag (made for wrapping deer/elk quarters in). It is the same thing BUT when you cut it, you get oodles of little chunks of fabric falling off of it. Most will say this isn't an issue in the boil as they will settle out in the trub. I just don't like adding a bunch of additional cotton floaties into my brew.

 

[unionrdr]

We saved the ones that came with kits,& bought a few at the LHBS. They're only like 35c each for the hop socks. The grain socks aren't much more. I rinse them out & soak in PBW to get'em really clean. Then rinse again & hang to dry & store. Doesn't take a lot of effort from me. And they've lasted pretty well through several batches.