How essential is Irish Moss?

[booldawg]

I've bought all the bits for my next 2 brews but forgot I have no Irish moss to help with the cold break - how important is it to add Irish Moss/Whirlfloc tablets? One brew will be a porter so not fussed about that but the other one is mainly lager malt and was hoping for a crisp, bright ale.

[spearmint-wino]

On the 2 occasions I forgot to add it only one of those beers cleared, and after quite a bit of time at that. If clarity is important for your beer then it definitely helps

[Bryggmester]

I would agree, when I brewed once without irish moss after I had run out, I found that the beer never did clear. Normally I have no problem with the clarity of my brews.

[booldawg]

I may postpone the brew day until I can next get up to LHBS. Thanks for the answers

[booldawg]

Yes, I have a 2nd element. I usually maintain the boil using only one element. How long should I boil with both elements for? (bearing in mind I wont be using Irish Moss)

[Martin the fish]

Personally i find no difference. I've 'forgotten' to use Irish moss on a couple of occasions and my beer was the same clarity as it always is. Which isn't that clear. Well, it is beautifully clear till i put it in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Haven't got anywhere to cold condition my beers, so i don't bother. It's only me drinking it mostly and i'm not that bothered with clarity. Taste is more important to me.

[booldawg]

Well I've booked the next 2 days off work and will be brewing tomorrow. As SWMBO has me running all over the place (after mash-out) I'll conveniently be near LHBS. I notice they sell Proto-floc tablets - is this better than Irish Moss? I dont see the Whirlfloc tablets on their website though.

[oblivious]

I'd recommend using whirlfloc tabs, the difference is significant, they don't need any prep, just chuck one in the boil for the last 10 mins and it quickly coagulates the proteins leaving a nice clear wort.

second that, very easy to use