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Author Topic: Bentonite  (Read 1299 times)

Offline pmallory

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Bentonite
« on: March 07, 2011, 06:18:17 pm »
I recently found out that one of my favorite local breweries uses Bentonite to clarify their beer. I never got around to asking how to use it. I figured you added it late in the process, maybe close to bottling/kegging. Does anybody have any experience using this in homebrewing? Also, I know it is a mineral, so I am guessing you have to be pretty careful to not accidentally bottle any?

Offline bluesman

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Re: Bentonite
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2011, 07:19:06 pm »
I use it for my wines but not my beer. In winemaking it is used to remove excessive amounts of protein from white wines.

Apparently it is used to clarify beer. I'm not sure of the credibility of this source.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7394307_use-bentonite-beer.html
Ron Price

Offline Bret

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Re: Bentonite
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2011, 07:25:40 pm »
Tried it years ago without much success.  Rack carefully if you do try it.
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Offline HydraulicSammich

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Re: Bentonite
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2011, 08:07:24 pm »
Interesting!  In south central Utah, it is used to line cattle watering reservoirs.  I to would be interested to know how it is used in beer clarification. 
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Offline gordonstrong

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Re: Bentonite
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2011, 10:10:57 pm »
It's a kind of clay. It has a negative charge. Add it to finished but not carbonated beer, like any other post-fermentation fining agent. It's used more for wine. Rack off it. If it doesn't work, try it in conjunction with sparkalloid, which has a positive charge. I use these mostly with meads but there really isn't a reason why they won't work with beer.
Gordon Strong • Beavercreek, Ohio • AHA Member since 1997 • Twitter: GordonStrong