I'm confused!

[Triker]

I've just found out I've been working under a misconception.

I am relatively new to brewing but I thought that finings 'killed' yeast cells and brought the fermentation to a stop. Seeing as my aim is to have secondary fermentation after bottling or kegging I haven't been using finings.

Today I was told quite the opposite and that finings doesn't interfere with fermentation at all. So presumably I can add finings near the end of fermentation, then allow the beer to clear 'before' racking into either bottles or keg, whereby I can start secondary fermentation with a relatively already clear beer. Is that an accurate assumption or am I miles away? :?

 

[wilsoa1111]

yep finings just settle stuff to the bottom, only way to remove all the yeast is to fine then filter- using finings, racking and leaving for a while (months) may make getting it fizzy in the bottle a challenge though but finings on their own wont remove the yeast u need

 

[fbsf]

Although, most people here don't find them necessary - once it's been in the bottle for a month or so, it generally drops out clear without the need for finings...

 

[Triker]

So if I do decide to use finings, when would be the best time to do it?

Should I add finings leave to clear and then bottle or keg? or

Should I add finings and bottle or keg immediately?

 

[Stihler]

Note that all finings are not created equal.

Yeast have a slight negative charge whereas the proteins associated with chill haze have a slight positive charge.

Both gelatin and isinglas finings have a positive charge and thus act upon yeast in suspension.

Polyclar and bentonite are negatively charged and thus help remove chill haze.

I've only used clarifiers a few times. In those cases I've used them to the beer when I transferred it to the secondary fermenter.

Regardless of what finings one decides to use I believe it is generally recommended that the finings should be added to the beer and then allowed to act upon it for a few days prior to bottling or kegging.

I hope this helps.

- Scott

 

[Triker]

What!!!! Is this some foreign tonge you speak ??

 

[Andyhull]

Are they worth using, do you get a clearer pint from them?

 

[alawlor66430]

I've never bothered with them, if you pour your pint carefully you shouldn't have a problem

 

[Stihler]

Are they worth using, do you get a clearer pint from them?

I've used both isinglass and gelatin before. The results were pretty good. For the most part, you could get nearly as good a result simply cooling the beer to near freezing and letting it set for three or four days. This helps both the haze forming proteins and the yeast to settle out pretty well.

I could never bring myself to putting finely ground plastic (i.e. Polyclar) or mud (i.e. bentonite) to my beer.

Yup I prefer something much more palatable like stuff derived from fish guts (i.e. isinglass) or hooves (gelatin). :mrgreen:

- Scott

P.S. Note that I've heard some people recommend not using both groups of finings (i.e. isinglass/gelatin and Polyclar/bentonite) at the same time. This is simply to avoid them being attracted to each other and settling out rather than acting upon the yeast and proteins as intended.