BeerBorg

Not sure this is the right spot for this question as it's probably not that advanced but here goes...I guess I just assumed that Irish Moss was added to the boil in its dry form. Being a beginner I have limited experience and have added it in my last few brews in that way. Just measure out the teaspoon and add it with 10 or so minutes left. The other day I was reading an article on fining agents and it described rehydrating the irish moss in a little water anywhere from a few hours to over night. So I'm just wondering if I've been doing it wrong. Thanks If I recall, I read about the rehydrating in the news letter that beersmith sends out.

I use Irish Moss in every brew. Haven't heard of re-hydrating it before, but that doesn't mean it isn't a valid method. I add 1 tsp with 15 minutes to go in the boil (because that's what the instructions on my bottle say). I get very good results that way. Like anything else in brewing, there are many "right" ways to do things. Find the way that works best for you. All the experimenting will give you Beer!!

I have had good results just by adding the Irish Moss to the hop boil with 10 minutes left, as you describe. It rehydrates quickly that way, ending up with clear beer and no flakes remaining visible at the end of the boil. I'd be concerned about having a big gooey mess from longer rehydration.

Thanks guys. Sounds like I've been doing it right. I still get chill haze in mine. Not as bad as it was but I'm still getting it.

How long do you keep them in the fridge before pouring? A longer cold conditioning time can help ease the chill haze.

It just depends, mainly on how thirsty I am. I have refrigerated some for a week or more. They don't usually last longer than that.

Not to hijack... how does Irish Moss compare to Whirlfloc? It was my understanding that they accomplish the same thing. Why would you choose one over the other if not for personal preferance?

Whirlfloc is Irish Moss in pill form. Convenience.

I haven't used whirlfloc. Irish moss is what the local shop carries in stock.