Beer Clarifiers & Stabilizers 101
The brewing process involves the creation of wort, a fermentable sugar solution, by combining malted cereal grains and hops. During this process, proteins and polyphenols are extracted from the raw materials. While some of these components contribute to desirable beer characteristics such as foam, mouthfeel, flavor, and antioxidation potential, others can negatively affect the beer’s clarity.
Achieving a stable and visually appealing beer requires the removal of excess sensitive proteins and tannoids. These sensitive proteins, particularly those rich in the amino acid proline, interact with tannoids to create haze. To address this, ATPGroup offers a full range of processing aids to both clarify and stabilize beer in a variety of methods based on the brewer’s preferences and beer style:
- Carrageenans: Carrageenans are polysaccharides extracted from certain types of red seaweed. They are used as fining agents to help clarify beer. Carrageenans have a positive charge and can attract negatively charged haze particles, including proteins, to form larger particles that can settle out more easily during the clarification process. Product: ATPGroup Brewers Kettle Carrageenan (BKC)
- Gallotannins: Gallotannins are a type of tannin compound found in oak galls and certain plant sources. In brewing, they bind to haze-active proteins and polyphenols, reducing their ability to cause haze and resulting in a more visually clear beer. Gallotannins can be added to beer during fermentation or aging to help improve clarity and stability. Products: Brewtan® Gallotannins, Stabiclear® TFS
- PVPP (Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone): PVPP is a synthetic polymer that has a strong affinity for polyphenols. PVPP particles can adsorb and bind with polyphenols, including tannoids, reducing their concentration in the beer and promoting clarity. Products: Polyfilter 10, Divergan F, Polyfilter R, Divergan RS
- Silica Products: Silica-based fining agents can also be used to remove haze-forming proteins and polyphenols from beer. These fining agents are specifically created with proprietary manufacturing processes to have a high surface area and high haze adsorbtion particles, allowing them to settle out or be filtered more effectively. Products: ATPGroup 257, Stabifix® Super – Xerogel, Stabifix® W – Hydrogel, Stabisol® Silicasol
- Enzymes: Enzymes are natural proteins that can break down specific substances. In brewing, enzymes like proline endo-proteases are used to break down haze-active proteins and reduce their concentration in beer. By breaking down these proteins, enzymes can help improve beer clarity. Product: Deltabrew® PURE
It’s important to note that the selection and implementation of these methods should be based on the desired beer style, available equipment, and the brewer’s expertise. By carefully managing the interactions between proteins and polyphenols, brewers can achieve the desired level of clarity and stability in their final product.
ATPGroup also offers a full range of brewing supplies, brewing equipment, 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 [email protected].