Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Beer color issue  (Read 1809 times)

Offline Jfshaver

  • 1st Kit
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Beer color issue
« on: August 07, 2017, 10:35:56 am »
I brewed a Belgian Wit (albeit hoppier) and while I'm satisfied with the taste, the color is unappealing. My grain bill was:
4.5 lb. pale 2-row
4.5 lb. American wheat
0.5 lb. flaked wheat
0.5 lb. flaked oat
While I wanted a hazy finished product, the beer is tan and doesn't fit anywhere on a beer color chart. It is missing a straw color (yellow hue) I was hoping for.
Yeast is WLP 410

I am hoping for some help understanding how I might have messed up the color and ideas on how I might correct without impacting flavor. Here are my current thoughts:
- it looks a bit like water when making oatmeal. Could the oats be the source?
- I'm relatively new to dryhopping which I did in this beer. Any potential issues?

This is my first time posting so I apologize if I messed up in some way. I sure appreciate your feedback. I'm trying to add a photo but not successful on my iPad. I will try to get one up from another device.

wrong orientation, but you get the idea
« Last Edit: August 07, 2017, 12:43:03 pm by Jfshaver »

Offline mabrungard

  • I spend way too much time on the AHA forum
  • ********
  • Posts: 2903
  • Water matters!
    • Bru'n Water
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2017, 10:41:43 am »
Elevated mashing pH will increase wort color and boiling for extended time adds color too.
Martin B
Carmel, IN

BJCP National
Foam Blowers of Indiana (FBI)

Brewing Water Information at:
https://www.brunwater.com/

Like Bru'n Water on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Brun-Water-464551136933908/?ref=bookmarks

Offline sn00ky

  • 1st Kit
  • *
  • Posts: 13
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2017, 10:53:35 am »
Photos have to be less than 1MB to upload, try lower resolution

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk


Offline Stevie

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 6858
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2017, 11:22:42 am »
Oxidation can lead to darkening too

Offline roger

  • Assistant Brewer
  • ***
  • Posts: 165
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2017, 11:25:43 am »
I'm not sure how you get <1 SRM from that grainbill. The grains in my Wit are similar to what you mention, but uses Pils malt instead of 2-Row. I use more Oats than you indicated, so I don't think that is an issue.
BeerSmith predicts 4 SRM using that grain bill with my water, which is low in minerals, and alkalinity.

I don't dry hop a lot, so can't advise on what that might do, but shouldn't affect the color.

Will be interested in your picture.
Roger

Offline Jfshaver

  • 1st Kit
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2017, 11:37:16 am »
Thanks Roger. You are right, I went back and calculated again.  I get 3.4 SRM.  I don't have my water stats handy but will look for them later to check on mineral and PH per Mabrungard's post

Offline Jfshaver

  • 1st Kit
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #6 on: August 07, 2017, 01:22:42 pm »
Thanks Martin, I am just starting to assess water content but have spent a bit of time on your site.  I have lots to look at and learn.

Offline curtdogg

  • Brewer
  • ****
  • Posts: 464
  • Learning everyday
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #7 on: August 07, 2017, 10:16:33 pm »
IMO, Looks like a milky protein haze caused by the addition of flaked wheat and oats.
A pilsner base will give a diffrent color or maybe adding some Munich 10 will give a nice golden hue.
Here is my grain bill for a belgian style beer. Just increase the wheat to whatever the guidelines are.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Sweet home of the Beer Lords.

Offline Jfshaver

  • 1st Kit
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2017, 03:21:18 pm »
Thanks to everyone for the comments. I think I'll try again with some focus on the water and an adjusted grain bill.

Offline mabrungard

  • I spend way too much time on the AHA forum
  • ********
  • Posts: 2903
  • Water matters!
    • Bru'n Water
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2017, 07:44:24 pm »
Now that I can see a picture, the primary problem is the amount of yeast still in suspension. Let it chill for a couple more weeks.
Martin B
Carmel, IN

BJCP National
Foam Blowers of Indiana (FBI)

Brewing Water Information at:
https://www.brunwater.com/

Like Bru'n Water on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Brun-Water-464551136933908/?ref=bookmarks

Offline brewinhard

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 3272
Re: Beer color issue
« Reply #10 on: August 10, 2017, 02:52:07 pm »
Now that I can see a picture, the primary problem is the amount of yeast still in suspension. Let it chill for a couple more weeks.

+1.  When some more yeast drops out, you will get a nice light golden color.