Long story short, used the last of my whirfloc on my last brewday, and have the ingredients for a few more batches on hand with the exception of any sort of kettle finings. Question is, will I see a big difference in the final product without using them? I don't want to place an order or drive the 30min to LHBS just to get some whirlfloc, so I'd end up getting some other stuff just because, but I've already got plenty of malt, hops in the freezer from a couple years ago, plenty of dry yeast, all the equipment I need at the moment (keezer build out is still a ways away), and all the star san and PBW I'll need for a while.
"Big difference" is kind of subjective, but for me there's a big enough difference with lighter colored beers that I'd probably make the trip.
I’m in the it depends what I’m brewing category. I wouldn’t miss a brew day for the sake of it. Though unless I had a solid reason I’d probably make the drive and add on some things. But I always seem to be close enough to needing something else to justify spending a little more. Probably more from the “if it ain’t broke...” position, I’d go get it. 30 minutes would probably be my threshold though. Alternatively, maybe you can learn something in the process. For me all that I can say is it’s better with it, but I’m not sure that I would call it a big difference.
I stopped using kettle finings years ago since I did not notice a difference between doing so and not. For a low flocculating yeast I often use gelatin on the back end, which seems to be sufficient even for my pale lagers.
I've missed my whirfloc additions before and didn't notice any difference. Get a good hot break and cold break, gelatin in the keg.
You can fine with gelatin in the carboy and then carefully move the beer into bottles. As for whirlflock, etc it is a small difference, at least on my system... for a pale ale, don't bother; maybe use it if you're seeking the perfect pilsner.
On occasion I'll forget to pitch Irish Moss into the boil and still get very good clarity by adding gelatin to the bottling bucket (1 tsp / 5G) and at least two weeks of cold conditioning.
I bottle as well, no kegs. Used whirl floc in the early days then quit, so I can not say about difference. Fines on the other hand I can. While most no longer do it, transferring to secondary really clears up my beer. And there is cold crashing, but I don't do that either.
At the risk of beating a dead horse. I started with Irish moss, because the book said so. Then whirlfloc. Because it's supposed to be better. Then nothing because I have become a lazy brewer and enjoy simplicity. Now I will use gelatin if I think it is needed. Sometimes. I do cold crash always though. But I'm with the others. Finings are for suckers or breewers who worry too much, imo. I think you'll feel the same way. Cheers Edit Maybe you can get your hands on some dried sturgeon swim bladder? I never used that but it is traditional, exotic and difficult. It must be great.
As others have said, I stopped using years ago and have not noticed a difference, even in lighter beers.
