Beer Forum

I am making a 10 gal Duvel clone and my "starter" was a 4 gal batch of Belgian Pale Ale (like a lower alcohol Rare Vos is what I was shooting for). I'm worried about both batch now as this yeast just does not want to clear/floc at all. The Strong Golden is still in the fermenter, but I have had the Pale Ale in a keg and refrigerated for almost a week now and it still is pouring very cloudy and yeasty.

Can others share their experience with this strain? Am I panicking too early?

I'm not 100% sure if what I am tasting in the pale ale is okay or not. The esters and phenols are very pronounced, but this a Belgian strain and the beer is still young. White Labs does say that it is a low flocculator.

Any tips on how to get the most out of this strain?

Cheers,
jacbop
Midland, MI

I used Wyeast 1388 which is also supposed to be the Duvel strain. Yes, it is powery and will take a a lot longer than a week to clear. Did you use gelatin at kegging? That will help some. I ended up filtering my BGSA; I don't remember if I had to filter the lightweight belgian table beer I made as a starter.

I did not fine the "starter" beer, but I will make a point to do that with the Duvel clone as that is the real goal I am shooting for.

Cheers, and thanks for the advice.

jacbop
Midland, MI

WLP570 is pretty poor at clearing up, but makes great strong goldens. I fine most of my beers with gelatin, which is what I'd recommend for your Duvel clone. That'll get it super bright in no time.