I realized that there's very little, if any, discussion on finings.

I'm curious who uses them, and with what success.

I've used gelatin finings regularly, and, occasionally, Isinglass. Both with great success. I've also made some very clear beer without either.

Let me know your thoughts, everyone!



Tags: irish moss in beer making, irish moss vs gelatin beer, using isinglass added to secondary, clear beer and gelatin, gelatin in secondary

I have been using Irish Moss for several years now, with great success. Its easy to use, works well, and is relatively cheap.

Cheers
Dave

Only way to know for sure is do one batch with and one without and compare. I usually use Irish moss but, would like to try gelatin so see difference. My beer is always clear w/ moss though.

New to brewing.....what is this Irish Moss and Finings? If it gets you clear beer I am in. Thanks

I always use irish moss as well, but often us gelatin during secondary for the nice "finish." I have found that an extra couple of weeks below 40 degrees will sometimes do the same thing. I'm surprised more of you haven't used secondary finings.

I always use Irish moss.

In the past I've also used Isinglass and Gelatin from time to time.

New to brewing.....what is this Irish Moss and Finings? If it gets you clear beer I am in.

Okay here is a quick and dirty summary of the most widely used beer fining agents.

Irish moss is type of seaweed that is added to the wort during the final 10 or 20 minutes of the boil. It promotes the coagulation and settling out of haze forming proteins.

Irish moss is the only clarifying agent added to the boil. All of the rest are either added to the secondary or just prior to bottling time.

Isinglass is derived from the swimming bladders of sturgeons and other fish. It is essential pure collegen and helps remove the yeast from suspension.

Gelatin is essentially collegen derived from the hooves of pigs and cattle. It also removes yeast from suspension but tends to be about only half as effective as isinglass.

Polyclar is basically very finely ground plastic which bind and drop out chill hazing forming polyphenols. I've never used this because I just can't bring myself to add bits of plastic to my beer.

Silica gel removes chill haze forming proteins. I've never used this and I'm afraid I don't know much more about it other than that. I believe this is something commerical breweries tend to use more than homebrewers.

- Scott

Huh....interesting and appreciate the info....Irish moss is definatley on the list for the next trip to the Brew store....sucks that its a 45 min drive....thanks again

curlyfat wrote:I'm surprised more of you haven't used secondary finings.

Although I have heard of all the secondary finings available to the homebrewer and winemaker, I've never found a need for it as long as I've used Irish Moss. Dont get me wrong, I would DEFINITELY use them if ever I need to, but I've had tremendous success with Irish Moss! I would suggest every new brewer use it.

Great topic by the way!

Cheers
Dave

So, to further the discussion, at what point is Isinglass added to the fermenter? Just prior to bottling? 2 to 3 days before bottling?
How about Gelatin? How is it prepared in order to get good results? When is it added to the fermenter?
How much of a difference in clarity do these finings add to a beer? Particularly those with low flocculating yeasts?


Cheers
Dave

First of all one should note that simply chilling the secondary fermenter down to about 35-40 F should settle out the yeast in most beers within about 48 hours without the use of any sort of clarifying aids.

Okay having said that, isinglass can result in a very nice clear beer. Gelatin is not quite so affective in this regard, however.

Most often you will hear of isinglass used with respect to the clarification of real ale. In that case it is added with secondary fermention is nearly complete or about 2 or 3 days prior to serving.

Both isinglass and gelatin may either be added about 3-5 days prior to bottling or at bottling time.

There are both liquid and powder forms of isinglass. The liquid is nice in that is saves having to mix it with pre-boiled water but it can degrade, especially if it is not kept cool. The powder is much more stable in that regard.

Note that gelatin and isinglass should be added to cold beer. For gelatin the temperature should be no more that 50 F whereas isinglass you can get away with temperatures up to about 60 F but the cooler the better.

One word of warning with respect to gelatin. Do NOT boil it but rather add it to hot water. Boiling the gelatin with result in a nasty gelatinous goo.

I hope this helps.

- Scott

Very informative, thanks!

This is great information for anyone who hasn't messed with secondary finings. Much obliged.

Cheers
Dave

GuitarLord5000 wrote:How much of a difference in clarity do these finings add to a beer? Particularly those with low flocculating yeasts?

I haven't done a side-by-side comparison (same batch with and without), but in general, I've gone from a hazy beer (but still tasty) beer, to an almost crystal-clear beer...there's still that faint cloudiness that seems to identify it as homebrew. I've also had better luck with gelatin than isinglass...despite common knowledge.

i agree with Scott, when you chill your brew it usually clears very well. i used to use irish moss, now i use whirlfloc in tablet form, i think it is a different form of irish moss and works great, but you have to watch when you add it because it can cause boil overs if you're not ready.
gary

One thing I forgot to point out about Irish moss is that you should be careful to not add more than the instructions call for. Too much Irish moss can result in the removal of proteins responsible for good head retention.

There is not a problem in this regard if one uses the appropriate amount. It is only when you go overboard with it that there may be a problem.

- Scott

HI to all ,
I am new to brewing and i was reading through the various subjects to learn as much as i can.
Do you have to use finings as there was none in the beermakers draught kit that i purchased.
I intend to ferment it with a lager yeast as the temperature is perfect.
when do you add the finings after taking the readings with the hydrometer or later.
Regards