Kettle Additives

Hops

• Timing

The hops may be added all at once; but more commonly, they are metered out in portions throughout the boil either at the start of the boil or near the end of the boil. Bittering hops are usually added at the beginning of the boil to maximize isomerization of their alpha-acid content and to drive off undesirable flavor compounds. Aroma hops are added part way through or at the end of the boil for the delicate hop flavor components. Some bittering hops contribute to hop aroma, even when added early in the boil.

• Finish Hopping

The primary method used to get hop flavor and aroma in the beer is to add hops very late in the boil. This practice is called "late hopping," "late kettle hopping," "aromatic hopping," or "finish hopping."

• Dosage Procedures

In smaller breweries, whole hops or pellets are manually added to the kettle. When hops are added to the kettle, the heat should be shut off or the hops added very slowly to prevent a boil-over.

• Rates

The quantity of hops is determined by several factors: alpha-acid content, desired hop flavor and aroma in the finished beer, condition of the hops, efficiency of the hop extraction, brewing process, and type of brewing water. The hopping rate for bitterness can be calculated, whereas the rates at which hops should be added for flavor and aroma are less accurate.

Copper Finings

One way of enhancing floc formation is through the addition of kettle finings. Copper finings (also referred to as Irish moss) is a form of seaweed consisting mostly of a complex starchy polymer called K-carrageenan. K-carrageenan, like polyphenols, has a negative charge and is effective in precipitating positively-charged proteins from the wort solution.

• Dosage Rate

The rate of use of copper finings varies widely from brewery to brewery but generally is found in the range of from 10 to 80 mg/l (or ppm). The major reasons for the widely differing rates of use are variations in grist formulations, mashing systems, and specific gravities of the wort.

• Choice of Material

Copper fining products come in a range of physical forms and degrees of purification, including powders, tablets, granules, refined carrageenan, and alkali-washed seaweed.

• Timing

Timing the addition of copper finings is essential because k-carrageenan denatures and becomes less active with prolonged treatment at high temperature.

• Dosage Procedures

Powdered products are usually thoroughly mixed in cold water to provide a suspension that can then be added directly to the kettle or the whirlpool. If powdered products are added directly to the kettle, there is likelihood that a significant amount of product will be sucked up the chimney, which results in under-dosing and loss of performance.

Acids

• Tannic Acid

Some brewers add tannic acid to reduce hop-bittering utilization, to reduce color reactions, and to improve wort clarity through enhancement of hot break formation.

• Lactic Acid

Lactic acid can be added to lower the pH of the wort. Breweries produce the lactic acid in propagation tanks.

Calcium Sulfate or Calcium Chloride

Calcium sulfate (gypsum) or calcium chloride is often added to lower the pH of the wort during the boil by 0.1-0.2 units.

Syrups and Sugars

Syrups and sugars can be added to the kettle in either dry or liquid forms.

Flavorings

Ale brewers, especially brewers in Belgium, sometimes add flavorings such as fruits, spices, and herbs to the brew kettle either during or after the boil.