I’m reading over the instructions and making notes for brew day tomorrow. One thing I noticed is that it says after you top off the steeping grain water to the boil volume then bring it to a boil, then turn off heat or remove from heat to add LME and DME which is normal process but it also says to add hops then return to a boil. Allow a good rolling boil for 45 mins."
Is it normal to add the hops before returning to boil or after. I’ve always added LME / LME & DME / or LME & Lactose then returned it to a boil before setting the timer when add bittering hops.
Mike- it really doesn’t matter as it’s probably just a difference of a few minutes.
For what it’s worth, I always have added my bittering charge when I get my 1st boil, then start the timer.
Edit- but it’s definitely a good idea to take the BK off the burner when adding the extract. Mix in well, then add heat. When it boils = add the hops and start the timer.
another question first time using whirlfloc. they included a tablet and say to add at 15 min remaining. 1 tablet is good for 10 gallons so I should cut it in half correct? as far as when to add I read elsewhere that if you add it earlier than 5 mins remaining it will denature it and render it useless. I think that was directly from manufacturer. any input?
Yes, cut it in 1/2 and save the rest for another brewday.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything about denaturing it.
I have always used Irish Moss, but have seen tons of posts where people generally use whirlfloc in the last 10 minutes. I don’t claim to be a whirlfloc expert, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn express… 6 months ago. :cheers:
[quote=“JimRMaine”]Yes, cut it in 1/2 and save the rest for another brewday.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything about denaturing it.
I have always used Irish Moss, but have seen tons of posts where people generally use whirlfloc in the last 10 minutes. I don’t claim to be a whirlfloc expert, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn express… 6 months ago. :cheers: [/quote]
I wait until the hot break has formed and then add bittering hops. There’s a school of thought that if you add them earlier the break will coat them and reduce utilization. I’ve never tested that, but it’s easy enough to just wait a few more minutes, then add them.
What does the hot break look like? I assume it’s the first start of the boil kinda frothy, or kinda like little “chunks”. I can’t believe I’ve never asked to be sure… :roll:
