Powdered sugar...

[EkimRezim]

Would it affect my beer in a negative manner, if I through in some powdered sugar when I add my malts?

 

[RainyDay]

If you're adding it pre-boil or during the boil, you're good. From my recollection, its just fine sugar, so it shouldn't be any different from standard granulated.

 

[pdxal]

Why?
Better to add it to the boil, than to have an effect on the mash.

 

[The_Idiot]

Sugar will add to the OG without contributing much in the way of anything else. I have one recipe which uses sugar because it allows the right strength without adding to the maltiness of the beer.

I'd say that unless it adds to the character of the recipe, then it's an odd choice. If you're just shooting for a higher OG, why not adapt your recipe to achieve that whilst also building flavour?

 

[BrewCanuck]

Powdered Sugar has an "Anti-Caking" Agent in it. Corn Starch, wheat flour or calcium Phosphate usually. If you add it to the mash, the enzymes would convert the corn starch/wheat flour.

You may want to consider something like Caster Sugar/Baker's Sugar/Superfine. The crystals are really fine so that it dissolves very quickly.

 

[EkimRezim]

Thanks everyone. The OG wasn't much higher than predicted, and it was just a little experiment that I felt like trying. I also boiled down a pound of blueberries that I added to the wort, and I could definitely tell a little bit of tart in addition to the malty sweetness in my OG reading. Excited to try it just in time to the Super Bowl.

 

[Calder]

Powdered sugar usually has corn starch in it. Check the ingredients. It will not affect the taste, but can result in a cloudy beer.