Kettle Finings & Nutrients 101
Producing clear wort with the right nutrient balance is one of the most important steps in brewing. During wort boiling, proteins break down and clump into particles collectively known as trub (German for “cloudy”). Trub comes in two forms:
Hot Break: (65-80%) Larger particles (30–80 μm), with 150–400 g/hL wort wet weight, that form during boiling and are typically removed in the whirlpool, coolship, or via centrifuge.
Cold Break: (20-35%) Fine particles (0.5–1 μm), with 5–30 g/hL wort wet weight, that develop below 70ºC and are often removed through filtration, beer centrifugation, or settling.
Managing both types of trub is critical. By using kettle finings and nutrients, brewers can promote the formation of stable trub that is easier to remove from the wort stream. The result is a more efficient brewhouse with higher wort yield, fermentations that run cleaner and faster, stronger and healthier yeast populations, and extended filtration runs with less product loss.
But not all kettle finings work the same way. Choosing the right one depends on your goals:
- ATPGroup 257®– A powdered blend of silica xerogel and PVPP, designed for brewers dealing with haze issues. It selectively binds haze-forming proteins and polyphenols, reducing both chill haze and permanent haze without affecting flavor or foam.
- ATPGroup 321® – Combines kappa-carrageenan with zinc sulfate. This makes it a great choice for brewers who want to improve trub compaction and supplement zinc, an essential yeast nutrient that supports strong fermentations.
- ATPGroup BKC® – A premium kettle fining agent designed for consistent, rapid trub formation across different beer styles. It’s a reliable, all-around option for brewers focused on clarity and efficiency in a wide range of recipes.
- Stabisol® 300 Silicasol – A liquid silicasol that works by binding haze-sensitive proteins, leading to larger and faster-settling trub packs. It’s particularly useful if you want quicker cold break removal and improved wort clarity.
- Stabiclear® TFS Gallotannin – An agglomerated gallotannin that coagulates proteins and reduces heavy metal ions. It’s versatile, easy to dose directly into the kettle, and useful for brewers seeking long-term haze stability.
With the right kettle fining, you can increase brewhouse yield, set your yeast up for success, and reduce product loss during filtration.
ATPGroup also offers a full range of brewing supplies and cleaning & sanitation solutions for breweries. Our team is available to help you find the products and solutions that work for your needs and fit your budget. For more information, please call ATPGroup at (914) 834-1881 or e-mail our brewing experts at Brewing@ATPGroup.com.
