25 replies to this topic

[HVB]

I've read that silicon dioxide can remove bitterness in wine. Have you noticed any changes in projected bitterness levels using Biofine in your IpA? I can get Kieselsol on our grain buys which is another branded name for silicon dioxide but have been hesitant to try it. 

I have noticed no decreased bitterness in my IPA's nor has anyone that has had them said anything.  The bitterness and hops are "crisper" but I attribute that to the lack of yeast in solution.

[SchwanzBrewer]

Is biofine another one of those silica based clearing products that needs to be filtered?

[Brauer]

i'm fine with that. after the low 60s i'd cold crash it for a couple of days and then keg it. it would be a little bit yeasty at first but that would eventually settle out.

I'll usually have a glass the day after it goes on tap, but, like you say, it just takes a few more days before it clears on it's own. Maybe a week for a yellow beer, where you notice it more, and an occasional stubborn one that might take two weeks. I don't bother with clarifiers, though.

[denny]

I have a German pils on tap that was incredibly good 4 weeks to the day after brewing.  It fermented at 48F and at that point it was almost crystal clear and delicious.  I kegged it and after a week in the beer fridge, it was perfect.  I'm not exactly sure how I did it.  I used the Jever water profile from Bru'nwater and I suspect that might have had something to do with it.

 

Not 2 weeks, but a hell of a lot faster than any other lager I've ever made.  I think the techniques in the OP are probably worth a try to see how it goes.

 

I also have a bit of a problem with their pronouncement that a 4 week fermentation is not ever a good thing.  How the hell do they know what my brewery and tastes are like?

Edited by denny, 21 January 2014 - 10:20 AM.

[HVB]

Is biofine another one of those silica based clearing products that needs to be filtered?

I do not believe so.  That would defeat the purpose IMO.  I think I seen somewhere that it did not require filtering, I have to go back and look.

[Murphy]

Is biofine another one of those silica based clearing products that needs to be filtered?

 

nope, no need to filter.  it's colloidal silicon dioxide and it forms agglomerates around yeast, suspended proteins, itself, etc that will precipitate out of solution