[AmandaK]

I picked up some of the Biofine powder from my LHBS since he actually can't order the liquid stuff (this is a first - stumping the homebrew shop owner!).

Question is this: can I "premix" the stuff and then store it like liquid Biofine in the fridge? Or is that going to make is useless down the road?

[stpug]

According to descriptions of the two products (Biofine Clear Liquid vs Kerry Biofine Powder), they are very different things altogether, and the similar naming is deceptive (at best).

Biofine Clear Liquid: colloidal silicon dioxide, vegan
Kerry Biofine Powder: powdered isinglass (fish swim bladders), non-vegan

With that said, isinglass is often times sold as a clear solution. I would venture a guess that if mixed with distilled water that it would have a decent shelf life (assuming sterile conditions), but would probably opt to just mix as needed.

[stpug]

And the usage instructions are enough for me to avoid it:

"To dose 5 gallons of beer, mix 0.025 oz of Biofine® powder with 5 fluid oz of very cold water (ideally <40°F). Stir continuously for 30 min. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, then stir for another 15 min. Do not allow the solution to rise above 60 °F, or the collagen will denature. Use of a blender is ideal, and can sometimes reduce necessary mixing to a single 15 min. step. Dose 5 gallons of beer with 1.9-4.5 fluid oz. of the solution, in a manner that allows effective mixing with the beer."

[Stevie]

Doesn't dried isinglass require very specific mixing procedures? Rehydrating with acid or something along those lines.

[Phil_M]

Doesn't dried isinglass require very specific mixing procedures? Rehydrating with acid or something along those lines.

It needs to be a specific pH to work properly, but I don't know what that is off the top of my head.

[AmandaK]

Doesn't dried isinglass require very specific mixing procedures? Rehydrating with acid or something along those lines.

The instructions don't indicate that. Figured this was worth $1.79 if it works, but who knows.

Where are you people buying real liquid Biofine? Edit: not in the 1oz containers. Something larger than that.

[stpug]

Doesn't dried isinglass require very specific mixing procedures? Rehydrating with acid or something along those lines.

The instructions don't indicate that. Figured this was worth $1.79 if it works, but who knows.

Where are you people buying real liquid Biofine? Edit: not in the 1oz containers. Something larger than that.

Williams Brewing for a 4oz container is where I've picked mine up from before, HOWEVER, I have not found it to be significantly better than (BSG) gelatin (knox is stinky). If/when I ever make another order from them I'd add it on but not make a special order just for the biofine.

[AmandaK]

Williams Brewing for a 4oz container is where I've picked mine up from before, HOWEVER, I have not found it to be significantly better than (BSG) gelatin (knox is stinky). If/when I ever make another order from them I'd add it on but not make a special order just for the biofine.

Thank you for the source of 4oz.

I am not asserting that it is better in clarifying. I am interested in ease of use. I would rather just let the beer clear on it's own rather than have to screw around with gelatin. Shot in the dark if this powdered "biofine" would work, but having premixed clarifier/liquid clarifier would be nice.

[a10t2]

Where are you people buying real liquid Biofine? Edit: not in the 1oz containers. Something larger than that.

Anyone with a BSG account can order 1 L up to 250 kg: https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/craftbrewing-brewing-aids-beer-clarification

If your LHBS isn't will to order it for you: http://barleyhaven.com/biofiner-clear-1-ltr.html or http://www.homebrewing.org/Biofine-1-Liter_p_5749.html

[HoosierBrew]

Wow, I had no idea that powdered Biofine was isinglass. Glad I bought Biofine Clear. It's easy to use and works well.