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tomm
Joined: 03 Mar 2012 Posts: 32
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Link Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 6:51 pm Post subject: Filtering vs. Gelatin |
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We've been using gelatin to clear our beer and it works fine. Something about adding this stuff to our carefully crafted brew always rubs me the wrong way though.
Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone uses a filtering method instead? Maybe there's some way to hook up a water filter to our March pumps and filter the beer on it's way from fermenter to keg?
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skelley
Joined: 24 Feb 2012 Posts: 210 Location: brookfield, wisconsin
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Link Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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Cold crashing also does a great job of clearing beer. I crash all my batches to around 36 degrees for at least 4 days and then they sit another ten days in keg before serving (either bottling or tapping) and most of the beers are quite clear. Only exception are with wheat additions even as low as 10%.
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Ozarks Mountain Brew
Joined: 22 May 2013 Posts: 737 Location: The Ozark Mountains of Missouri
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Link Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2013 2:53 am Post subject: |
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Ive used both and I worn you filtering works fine but will take away the flavor, there seems to be a problem with the filter micron in the stores today, you can get 1 or 5 micron but 5 isn't enough and 1 is too much so I switched to cold crash and as long as you have patients to wait it works great
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kal Forum Administrator
Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 11116 Location: Ottawa, Canada
Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter
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Link Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2013 1:17 pm Post subject: |
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FWIW, I find filtering to be even more invasive than using (say) gelatin. You're pushing beer through (usually cardboard) sheets to hold back particles. There's a concern of picking up cardboard taste from the paper if you're not careful. I used to filter back in my wine making days and you'd have to push through a punch of water first to try and minimize any off-flavours. I still have the larger filter machine (a Buono Vino Super Jet) but never use it:
I like the idea of gelatin better as it acts kind of naturally, binding to protein and dropping it down.
Of course, the best way is time. But then you have to make sure you're storing in a air-tight container like glass or stainless as you don't want to take any risks oxidizing the beer over time.
I've always used gelatin and love it because it's quick and is a somewhat natural substance that's been around for eons compared to some of the chemicals or other things you can use. Of course everyone has to use what they feel is right for them.
Kal
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tomm
Joined: 03 Mar 2012 Posts: 32
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Link Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2013 4:32 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Kal for relaying your experience with a filter. I guess I was thinking of imitating the filters used by some micros. My biggest issue isn't so much the gelatin as it is impatience
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kal Forum Administrator
Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 11116 Location: Ottawa, Canada
Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter
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Link Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2013 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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Throughput in commercial breweries is limited by fermentation/brite tanks. They need to keep things moving so even saving a day or two in the process of going from grain -> glass has a big impact on the bottom line.
As homebrewers we're lucky that we have the luxury of time to do what is often easiest.
You'll work twice as hard to have that beer faster. I recommend stockpiling/brewing more often. Start a pipeline. That's what I do. When I went from 4 to 8 taps I was initially worried that I wouldn't be able to 'keep up' but then realized that doesn't make any sense at all. We don't consume any faster with 8 beers on tap (vs 4). I simply need to brew 4 extra times to catch up, and now can brew as I do normally based on our consumption (I brew 10 gallons approximately once a month).
Kal
_________________ Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
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My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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rickysa
Joined: 13 Mar 2013 Posts: 136 Location: Southern Pines NC
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Link Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2013 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: | I recommend stockpiling/brewing more often |
I've come to that conclusion as well...I'm building a small (8'x6') framed "box with a door" on a slab and attach a Cool Bot w/ a small window unit A/C for storage. Rather than fretting over rotation (having kegs and freezer space available, conditioning time, etc), I can just brew as often as I want and park them away for when I'm ready for them. This will also be nice for beers that like long term conditioning, as I won't be tying up a keg for months and months.
Now I just need to find someone that wants to unload a bunch of pin-locks kegs
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Castermmt
Joined: 03 Jan 2011 Posts: 863 Location: Lowell, In
Drinking: Steelhead Porter, Alt-Toids, Hefty-Weizen, Terry's Kolsch, African Amber, Pumpkin Ale, Double Dog Ale
Working on: Janet's Brown Ale, Terry's Kolsch, Pilsner
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Link Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 2:10 am Post subject: |
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+1 on brewing ahead. I have enough kegs and space to sit on the beer for months and months. It's like Kal said, we have time because we're home brewers. I consider taking your time, another step in brewing great beers.
Cheers, Castermmt
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kal Forum Administrator
Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 11116 Location: Ottawa, Canada
Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter
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Link Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2013 2:59 am Post subject: |
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Castermmt wrote: | I consider taking your time, another step in brewing great beers. |
Yup. One the reasons I'd never consider brewing professionally is that you're so time limited, not to mention that I think it would be way too much work and suck all the joy out of the hobby.
Hobby's are the few things we do in life were we don't count or care about the number of hours we put into it (that's what makes it a hobby). As soon as you start worrying about how long it takes or how fast you can get something done, it's not really a hobby anymore.
(IMHO)
Kal
_________________ Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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