15 replies to this topic

[Poptop]

Hi All,On the last two of my homegrown recipes; and Irish Ale and Pale Ale, I used 3.7 and 4.6 percent carapils respectively. Both are under the suggested 5 percent from Briess's site. What I seem to get from both is an excess amount of head when I pour and it's rather annoying to 'now' not pour a proper pint especially since I have my system dialed in pretty well. Carapils is a new addition to my recipes for foam/head retention and I was wondering if my percentages fall inside, under or over what any of you Brew Guru's might use if you use carapils at all.Thanks, Mike

[MtnBrewer]

I haven't used any kind of dextrine malt in years. I used to use Carafoam but found that I didn't really need it. That said, I question whether that amount of Carapils would cause that kind of foaming problem.

[SchwanzBrewer]

The size of the head would be a carbonation issue more than ingredient issue I would think. Is this from the tap or bottle?

[Poptop]

It is from my corny's. Typically I can estimate a corny's about half done when the head picks up and at that point I shut off the valve and let the beer flow from the CO2 that is in the corny alone. These two batches just seem relentless. Also, I keep my psi around 12 which has worked very well for over a year now. If anything I might under carb for many peoples tastes. I'm thinking maybe I'm getting air in the picnic dispenser or something. Very frustrating.

[positiveContact]

do you have a non-carapils beer to use as a control? maybe your lines are dirty? maybe your beer is overcarbed? I'm just spitballing here.

[Poptop]

Yes, many batches with no issue and no carapils, that's why I threw it out there. I could say my lines might need replacement and I'm thinking on doing this with new picnic faucets since the cost is minimal. I'm definitely not overcarbing.

[denny]

It's really starnge that the small amount of carapils would cause that. While I guess it's not impossible, I'd certainly look for other possible causes.

[Poptop]

In my limited experience, I do think carapils brings a softer, smoother mouth feel that I have not experienced with other recipes sans carapils. Maybe it has such an impact that even a very small percentage to the whole bill makes a notable difference. Hmmmm.

[BarelyBrews]

Reminds me of the fear of wheat subject . 5% should not be too excessive. Like you said i would check your lines or fittings.

[denny]

Maybe it has such an impact that even a very small percentage to the whole bill makes a notable difference. Hmmmm.

Based on my own experience, that's kinda hard to believe.

[Genesee Ted]

Based on my own experience, that's kinda hard to believe.

This. I have seen so many recipes where people throw in like 1% Carapils for no real reason. Like a rabbits foot or something.

[SchwanzBrewer]

I use carapils in my kolsch and duss alt. I never have a problem with excess foaming.

[positiveContact]

This. I have seen so many recipes where people throw in like 1% Carapils for no real reason. Like a rabbits foot or something.

I usually use it at about 5-10%. at that amount it makes a difference. i agree at 1% you wouldn't be able to tell.

[Genesee Ted]

I am not saying that Carapils makes no difference in the final product at all, but just putting it in there to put it in there is wasteful. It is supposed to add body to very light beers or to make the wort slightly less fermentable. YMMV, but IME crystal and caramel malts are best when used minimally. Too much of one or clumsy layering of many makes for a confusing/"muddied" beer.

[SchwanzBrewer]

I am not saying that Carapils makes no difference in the final product at all, but just putting it in there to put it in there is wasteful. It is supposed to add body to very light beers or to make the wort slightly less fermentable. YMMV, but IME crystal and caramel malts are best when used minimally. Too much of one or clumsy layering of many makes for a confusing/"muddied" beer.

Exactly why it's in my kolsch.

[MtnBrewer]

Like everything, there's a time and a place for it. It's one of the tools in your toolbox.