Question: Does refrigerating cause cloudiness?

[Centexbear]

Hey guys, back with more questions!

My first batch is almost ready. I had it in the primary for 2 weeks, then the secondary for 2 weeks, now bottled for 1 week as of today.....so 5 weeks since brew day.

I put two bottles in the fridge yesterday morning and at the time the brew was nice and clear. Today, when I checked the brews, both are extremely cloudy and I can't see through the brew at all. (this is an Amber).

Questions:
1.) Does refrigerating brew make it cloudy for a while?/ is this normal?
2.) Do I need to leave it in the frig for a longer period until the brew is clear again?
3.) Did I do something wrong? lol sooo close, can't screw up now!

Thanks in advance for your replies!
jeff

 

[tvtoms]

I'm a newb, but I think it's called chill haze. I did a quick search and found some advising that longer cold storage should reduce it. One suggested using a ceramic mug, hehe.

 

[JLem]

yes...it is called chill haze...extended time in the fridge does tend to help...it does not affect flavor, just aesthetics

You made beer. Be happy and rejoice (aka RDWHAHB).

 

[ChshreCat]

+2 on chill haze. Happens to the best of us. As said, more time in the fridge will cause it to fade.

 

[JLem]

oh I should mention...the haze will also disappear as the beer warms up...basically some compounds come out of solution when chilled, causing the haze and then go back into solution when warmed.

 

[DeafSmith]

This happens to my beers, too. I've found that after 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator they are once again crystal clear.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Yep. Chill haze caused by, IIRC, starch compounds. They come out of solution when cold and eventually group hug and drop or go back into solution when they warm up.

 

[Hoppus_Poppatopolis]

Chill haze is caused by proteins.

 

[Grinder12000]

Has anybody mentioned Chill Haze yet?

sorry! I had to ask LOL

 

[ChshreCat]

Yep, proteins and tannins. BYO had a good article on it if anyone wants to read up:

http://www.byo.com/stories/techniques/article/indices/23-clarity/490-conquer-chill-haze

Not everything in the article is gospel though. It mentions no-chill brewing always causing chill haze and some folks on here have done no chill and shown that they can do it without haze.

 

[Centexbear]

Ahh, y'all rock.

Thanks for the information and great knowing I still possibly have some decent brew.

Think I'm gonna pop one open tonight for a sampler.