[kgs]

I skim because it's what I do with chicken stock. That doesn't mean it makes a difference with beer. It's just a cooking habit. For that matter, I'm not sure it matters with chicken stock. In both cases, I suspect I do it more as "something to do." At least hovering over the stove means fewer boil-overs.

[narcout]

I don't think that foam is hot break.  That said, I do skim it unless I am using first wort hops (though that is rare).

[BrewBama]

I don't think that foam is hot break.  That said, I do skim it unless I am using first wort hops (though that is rare).

I am not sure what it's called.  I just know what I watch and read.  Everything I learned about brewing I taught myself with You Tube and reading articles and books.  In this case this is my ref:  http://beersmith.com/blog/2014/10/01/improving-beer-clarity-and-finings-in-depth-part-3/

"Hot Break and Skimming –  The first think you want to watch for as you are heating your pot is the hot break, where a nice foam of protein often forms on the top of the pot. Ideally you want a strong hot break, which means you should run your stove on high until it starts to form. The hot break, which often foams up and causes boil-over, is primarily precipitated proteins from the grains which coagulate on the top of the pot. Some people take to skimming the “hot break” from the top of the pot to cut down on the protein remaining in the beer, and I think this is a good idea if you are brewing a light beer. Skimming also reduces the chance of boil-over."

[Hooper]

I skim...add add 1/2 a whirlfloc tablet and extra Irish moss and try to keep as much trub out of the fermenter as possible. I mostly keg, but I bottle some and since I've started this, the trub in the bottles is minimal and tight and the second pour from a 22 oz bottle is not all f!@#%&d up...

[gymrat]

One thing it helps is prevention of boil overs at the beginning of the boil. If using a kettle at capacity, it helps to get rid of the sticky stuff.

I can fill my 14 gallon kettle to about 1/2 inch from the top and not have a boil over and don't skim foam. OTOH I am a ninja.

If you can do that you truly are a Ninja. I bow to you

[ynotbrusum]

Sometimes I skim - just for something to do - I can't say there is any difference in any of the beers, though.  So, why do it?  Again, just something to do while waiting for the boil.

[udubdawg]

I always skim now, and generally keep doing things that are working.  YMMV

[denny]

I read skimming hot break foam at beginning of boil makes for a clearer finished beer.  I have never done that.  Do you skim?

Nope.  It's an old, totally disproven myth.

how about big foot.....i want to believe he's running around your neck of the woods 

Oh, yeah...he's TOTALLY real! 

[denny]

I am not sure what it's called.  I just know what I watch and read.  Everything I learned about brewing I taught myself with You Tube and reading articles and books.  In this case this is my ref:  http://beersmith.com/blog/2014/10/01/improving-beer-clarity-and-finings-in-depth-part-3/

"Hot Break and Skimming –  The first think you want to watch for as you are heating your pot is the hot break, where a nice foam of protein often forms on the top of the pot. Ideally you want a strong hot break, which means you should run your stove on high until it starts to form. The hot break, which often foams up and causes boil-over, is primarily precipitated proteins from the grains which coagulate on the top of the pot. Some people take to skimming the “hot break” from the top of the pot to cut down on the protein remaining in the beer, and I think this is a good idea if you are brewing a light beer. Skimming also reduces the chance of boil-over."

But without any reason why you should or what difference it will make.  My experience is none at all.

[Wort-H.O.G.]

I read skimming hot break foam at beginning of boil makes for a clearer finished beer.  I have never done that.  Do you skim?

Nope.  It's an old, totally disproven myth.

how about big foot.....i want to believe he's running around your neck of the woods 

Oh, yeah...he's TOTALLY real! 

I've see him.....

[denny]

More T shirts!

[Wort-H.O.G.]

More T shirts!

Haha!


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[brewinhard]

That is great! 

[HoosierBrew]

That is very nice work, Ken. Laughed my arse off.

[Wort-H.O.G.]

That is very nice work, Ken. Laughed my arse off.

good times...good times