Brewed a Russian Imperial Stout last night. It was a brewers beat kit that was supposed to have maltodextrin in it, but it was absent from the kit. I figure it shouldn't be too much of a problem, it was supposed to have 8 ounces. How does maltodextrin affect the beer, is it a flavor thing, is it fermentable?
Missing maltodextrin
- Thread starter cbrei2310
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Maltodextrin is only 5% fermentable at most. It's primarilly used to add mouth feel to the beer. I think it also adds a bit of creaminess too,but maybe that's just me...
joyceman
Well-Known Member
Id email BB about the issue with the kit. In my experience they are very responsive. They will likely do something for you to correct the problem.
You can add the maltodextrin later if they send it to you and if you want to - just mix it in boiling water and rack onto it. But it's not really necessary. As unionrdr said, it's pretty much unfermentable and will not contribute any alcohol, just body and mouthfeel.
Keithww
Well-Known Member
I would add it when you bottle, boil it with your priming sugar and rack on top. It will add body that a RIS needs.
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Keithww
Well-Known Member
This goes in to more detail than you are looking for.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32116.asp
The two that maltodextrin will add are.
Density – The thickness within the body of a beer. This is usually described as “light,” “medium” or “full-bodied.”
Viscosity – Internal friction within the liquid caused by molecular attraction, which makes it resist the tendency to flow. This is often associated with a “long” finish.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32116.asp
The two that maltodextrin will add are.
Density – The thickness within the body of a beer. This is usually described as “light,” “medium” or “full-bodied.”
Viscosity – Internal friction within the liquid caused by molecular attraction, which makes it resist the tendency to flow. This is often associated with a “long” finish.
It is exactly what it sounds like - how does this feel in the mouth. Measured 'thin' to 'thick' Compare water (thin) to whole milk (very thick). And there you go. A good beer will have approriate mouth feel for the style.
Not directly rlated to flavor,no. Just how lite or heavy it feels in your mouth when you drink it.
