You crack open your latest homebrew, pour it into a pint glass, and hold it up to the light—and it looks like a snow globe. Cloudy with a chance of yeast. Is it a murky mess or something else? Some folks love the look of a hazy brew. Others panic like their batch has just failed a chemistry final. So what gives? Is haze the enemy of good beer, or is it just part of the charm?
Clear beer elevates the visual aspects. Visual appeal is a primary factor in elevating the anticipation of enjoyment. If it looks good, it’s going to taste good. Clear beer is a mark of a quality craftsman with attention to detail.
The truth is, a hazy beer might taste just fine—or it might signal something gone sideways. Whether you’re chasing that crystal-clear West Coast IPA or just curious about why your pale ale looks like murky pond water, understanding beer clarity is the first step to dialing in your brew.
SO WHY IS MY BEER CLOUDY?
Most haze issues reveal themselves after fermentation and the beer is chilling (literally and metaphorically). A cloudy pint can be chalked up to three primary culprits: yeast, proteins, and polyphenols. There is a fourth reason: in more dramatic cases, bacterial infection.
Let’s break them down and get a little clarity here!
1. Yeast That Refuses to Settle Down
Yeast can be like that friend who overstays their welcome. Some strains are courteous and flocculate—meaning they clump up and fall to the bottom when the party’s over. Others just hang around, floating in your beer and photobombing your Instagram shots.
Choosing a high-flocculation yeast strain is a good first step toward better beer clarity. But don’t get married to the idea that high floculation is the only way to go. Even with a lazy strain, you can let it chill! Giving your beer some cold conditioning time in the fridge can encourage those micro-squatters to settle out.
Pro tip: Yeast visibility is a no-go if you’re brewing a kölsch or cream ale. Pick a strain that knows when to leave. If your beer is still cloudy, consider a post-fermentation fining agent like dual-fine or gelatin.
2. Protein and Polyphenol Problems
Picture this: you toss a handful of cooked spaghetti and a sprinkle of glitter into a jar of water. The result? It’s anything but clear. This is similar to what happens in brewing; the proteins derived from grains, along with the polyphenols from hops and the tannins from malt, eagerly bond together, creating a murky haze in your beer.
These particles often show up as chill haze—meaning your beer looks clear at room temperature but goes cloudy when it’s cold. If the haze sticks around at any temperature, you’re dealing with permanent haze.
If you’re into the Hazy New England IPA, the high hopping rates during fermentation means more polyphenols to bond with high-protein grain bills. The perfect recipe for permanent haze.
Commercial breweries spend serious coin trying to prevent this. As a homebrewer, you’ve got a few simpler options:
Add Irish moss or whirlfloc at the end of the boil
Get a solid hot break during the boil (vigorous boiling is your friend)
Rapidly chill your wort for a good cold break
Take a look at your grain bill. Higher-protein malts like 6-row varieties can cause clarity problems. Consider using ingredients like rice or corn, with fewer proteins overall. Alternatively, you can try enzyme additives like Clarity Ferm, which prevents some of the bonding of proteins and polyphenols, protecting against chill haze.
3. When It’s Not Haze—It’s Infection
Not all haze is innocent. Sometimes, it’s your beer’s way of screaming, “Something’s wrong!” Infections caused by wild bacteria can cloud your brew and serve up off-flavors ranging from buttery popcorn to gym sock soup.
Common culprits:
Lactobacillus: Brings unwanted tartness unless you meant to make a sour
Pediococcus: butterbombs and thick, ropey textures
Coliforms: Yep, those bring the aroma of old vegetables and regret
If your beer starts getting hazy after bottling and tastes funky, it might be time to review your cleaning game and retire a few questionable plastic fermenters. Scratches in plastic are a great place for bacteria to hide out and wait for the perfect conditions.
HOW TO IMPROVE BEER CLARITY IN FUTURE BREWS
Alright, so now you know why haze happens. What can you do about it?
Settle the Yeast:
Cold-crash your fermenter before packaging.
Use fining agents like gelatin or DualFine.
Let gravity do its thing—sometimes, a little patience is the best filter.
Tackle Proteins and Polyphenols:
Try a protein rest if you’re using wheat or other high-protein grains
Use kettle finings during the boil.
Practice solid whirlpooling to remove hop debris.
Keep your boil rolling and your wort chilling fast.
Be a Clean Freak:
Sanitize everything—like, obsessively
Don’t reuse scratched plastic gear (bacteria love those micro-homes)
Watch for odd flavors and haze that worsens over time.
CLOUDY STYLE OR UNINTENDED MISTAKE?
Sometimes, a slight haze is precisely what the style calls for. Hefeweizens, New England IPAs, Belgian wits—all wear haze like a badge of honor. But for most other styles, beer clarity is part of the charm. It signals care, precision, and a bit of brewing finesse.
You don’t have to chase perfection in every pint. But knowing how to clear things up can help you make informed choices—and better beer.
After all, a clear beer lets the drinker see what you’ve brewed… no filter necessary.
Want to know more about achieving clarity in the beer? Swing by Northwest Brewers Supply for tips, gear, and classes that’ll take your brew from cloudy to show-off-worthy.
Start Your Brewing Journey with an All-in-One Brewing Starter Kit
Getting into homebrewing? Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves beer? This complete starter kit from Northwest Brewers Supply has everything you need to easily brew, ferment, and bottle your first batch of homebrew.
Designed with beginners in mind, the Brewing Starter Kit makes brewing approachable and fun. The simple four-step process printed on the packaging helps you understand the basics right away—no prior experience needed. And with high-quality equipment and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be brewing confidently in no time. Get started today for $124.99
Why This Kit Stands Out
Not all brewing starter kits are created equal. This one includes key upgrades that make the process smoother and set you up for success:
Star San sanitizer – the industry standard for keeping everything clean
Adhesive liquid crystal thermometer – easy temperature monitoring at a glance
Dial thermometer – for accurate readings when heating your water
24-inch spoon – because you need the right tool to stir a full batch
Three reusable grain bags – perfect for steeping specialty grains or hops
Who’s It For?
New brewers who want an easy-to-use, complete setup
Beer lovers looking for a hands-on experience making their own brew
Gift shoppers—this kit makes an awesome present for any beer enthusiast
DIYers and craft enthusiasts who enjoy making things from scratch
What’s in the Brewing Starter Kit?
Everything you need to brew, ferment, and bottle your own beer—just add an ingredient kit of your choice!
✅ (2) Plastic buckets with spigots – for fermentation, bottling, and cleaning ✅ Bucket lid, stopper, and airlock – to control fermentation ✅ 24-inch spoon – perfect for stirring large batches ✅ Vinyl tubing – for transferring beer and bottling ✅ Bottle-filling wand – makes bottling easy and mess-free ✅ Wing bottle capper & 50 bottle caps – seal your bottles for carbonation ✅ (3) 8″x15″ reusable mesh grain bags – great for steeping grains and hops ✅ Star San sanitizer (4 fl oz bottle) – a must-have for clean brewing ✅ Bottle brush – keeps your bottles spotless for the best results ✅ Triple scale hydrometer & sample jar – track fermentation progress ✅ Dial thermometer for precise temperature control ✅ Adhesive liquid crystal fermentation thermometer – Stick it on your fermenter for easy temp monitoring ✅ Step-by-step instructions – clear, straightforward, and beginner-friendly
Brew with Confidencewith a Brewing Starter Kit
This kit takes the guesswork out of homebrewing. With easy-to-understand directions, high-quality equipment, and just about everything you need to get started, your first batch will be a great experience. Bottles and Kettle are not included.
Pair this kit with an ingredient kit from Northwest Brewers Supply to complete your setup—all for under $200. For additional recipes, check out the library at https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/beer-recipes/. Membership in the AHA is an incredible value for new brewers. $4.99 a month, and includes a subscription to Zymurgy magazine. Details at https://www.homebrewersassociation.org
Whether brewing for yourself or giving the ultimate beer-lover’s gift, this kit makes it simple, fun, and rewarding.
Get started today—your first homebrew is just a few steps away!
Best Beers for Spring
What If It Rained Beer?
Spring showers are nothing new. Every year, as winter fades away, the skies open up, drenching the earth with fresh rain and coaxing new life from the ground. But this year? Something’s different. The clouds are darker, heavier. There’s a scent in the air—not of damp soil or blooming flowers, but of malt, hops, and the unmistakable aroma of a freshly poured pint.
And then, it begins.
Not raindrops, but golden streams of beer cascade from the sky. Tiny bubbles dance as they fall, collecting in puddles that foam over like a freshly tapped keg. The sidewalks glisten with amber hues, and rooftops run slick with a crisp, pale gold sheen. It’s not just water pouring from the heavens—it’s beer.
Confusion turns to excitement as people rush outside, pint glasses in hand, catching the free-flowing bounty. Neighbors gather in the streets, trading sips, debating flavors. Is that a Kölsch coming down on Main Street? Over by the park, the air is thick with the aroma of bananas and cloves—someone’s getting a Hefeweizen shower. The town square? A delightful downpour of Saison, bright and effervescent, with just a whisper of spice on the wind.
A miracle? A brewing accident of cosmic proportions? No one knows, and frankly, no one cares. Because for beer lovers, this is the ultimate springtime gift.
But as the beerstorm continues, an important question arises: What is the best beer for spring? After all, not all beers are suited for this season of transition. Winter’s heavy stouts and rich porters are fading out, making way for crisper, brighter, and more refreshing brews that match the warmer days and breezy afternoons.
Spring is a time for balance. It’s the perfect season for beers that straddle the line between light and flavorful, malty and crisp, fruity and dry. From the golden malty goodness of a Maibock to the peppery complexity of a Saison, the best spring beers embrace the season’s spirit—vibrant, refreshing, and full of character.
While we can’t promise that beer will start falling from the sky, we can help you fill your fridge with the best beers for spring. Whether you’re a homebrewer looking to craft something special or just eager to sip on something seasonal, we’ve got the perfect lineup of spring brews to drink and brew.
Best Beers for Spring: What Should Be Falling from the Sky?
If the heavens suddenly opened up and showered the world in beer, the first question on every beer lover’s mind wouldn’t be why—but what’s on tap?
Spring is a season of transition. Winter’s cold, heavy beers no longer fit the bill, but it’s not quite time for the ultra-light lagers of summer either. Spring beers must strike a balance—refreshing enough for the warmer days but flavorful enough to keep things interesting. Whether it’s a crisp Kölsch, a golden Maibock, or a farmhouse Saison, the best beers for spring are the ones that embrace the season’s fresh, lively energy.
So, if the sky did start raining beer, here’s what we’d hope to see falling from the clouds.
Maibock – Malty Sunshine in a Glass
If we had to pick one big, bold beer to rain down in spring, Maibock would be it. Traditionally brewed for the spring festivals of Bavaria, Maibock is a strong, golden lager that bridges the gap between winter and summer. It’s packed with rich, toasty malt flavors, yet it finishes clean and crisp, making it the perfect beer for cool spring evenings.
Imagine walking outside into a drizzle of Maibock—each drop a golden malt bomb, slightly sweet but with just enough noble hop bitterness to keep things balanced. You might need an umbrella, but let’s be honest—you’d rather have a stein.
Saison – The Farmhouse Favorite
Spring is a time of renewal, and no beer embodies that more than Saison. This beer is a perfect storm of dry, spicy, and effervescent goodness, initially brewed by Belgian farmers to refresh workers during the warm months.
A Saison rainstorm would be wild—one neighborhood might get a classic, crisp Saison Dupont-style brew. At the same time, another is caught in a funky, Brettanomyces-fueled downpour that adds layers of barnyard complexity. Meanwhile, someone lucky enough to be under a fruit-infused Saison cloud might get hints of citrus, stone fruit, or even pink peppercorn as the beer drips from the trees.
Hefeweizen – A Cloudy Burst of Banana & Clove
If the sky showers us with beer, let’s hope for a Hefeweizen mist. This classic German wheat beer is light-bodied, highly carbonated, and full of vibrant yeast character. With every sip, you get the soft sweetness of wheat malt balanced by banana and clove aromas from the yeast.
Now, imagine standing in a Hefeweizen drizzle. A soft, golden haze fills the air, the gentle aroma of banana bread and spice surrounding you. The carbonation tickles your tongue like the freshest pour from a Bavarian beer hall. Who needs sunshine when you have a wheat beer shower?
Kölsch – The Ultimate Spring Rain
For those hoping for something genuinely light, crisp, and refreshing, there’s no better choice than Kölsch. This hybrid German ale-lager is as bright and clean as a fresh spring morning, with a hint of fruitiness and a dry, snappy finish.
A Kölsch rainstorm would be where you tilt your head back and let it fall straight onto your tongue. Cool, golden, and drinkable, this is the perfect beer for a crisp spring afternoon.
Berliner Weisse – A Tart Twist on April Showers
Finally, if we’re getting a spring beer storm, let’s make it an electric, sour Berliner Weisse downpour. Light-bodied, tangy, and often brewed with fruit additions like raspberry or passion fruit, Berliner Weisse is the kind of beer that wakes up your taste buds like the first bloom of spring flowers.
A sour beer drizzle would be like stepping into a refreshing lemonade rain—but for beer lovers. Tart, crisp, and low in alcohol, it’s the ultimate spring sipper and maybe the only type of rainstorm you’d want to dance in.
So grab a glass, step outside, and imagine—if the skies were to open up and gift you the perfect beer rainstorm, what style would you want pouring down? Let’s dive into the best beers for spring and find out!
So, What’s Your Dream Beer Forecast?
If the sky did start raining beer, what would you want falling from the clouds? A golden Maibock monsoon? A spicy Saison shower? Maybe just a gentle Kölsch drizzle to keep things light and refreshing?
While we may not be able to summon a beerstorm, we can help you fill your glass with the best spring beers to drink and brew. And with our Spring Beer Sale, you can brew your perfect seasonal pour at 25% off—because the best beer showers are the ones you make yourself!
Caught in a Beerstorm: Which Brew Is Falling in Your Backyard?
The beerstorm has taken on a life of its own. What started as a drizzle of golden Maibock has turned into a full-fledged weather event, with different styles falling in various parts of town. Some people are basking in the perfect beer rain while others scramble to find a better spot under the clouds.
As the storm moves, beer lovers everywhere check the radar—not for thunderstorms or wind advisories, but to see what’s on tap from the sky.
The Lucky Few: A Kölsch Drizzle with a Side of Sunshine
Over in the historic district, folks walk outside with glasses raised as a light, golden Kölsch mist drifts down like a gentle spring rain. Crisp and delicate, with just a hint of fruitiness, it’s the kind of beerstorm that pairs perfectly with a sunny afternoon and a patio seat.
As the storm rolls in, umbrellas are flipped upside down—not to keep dry but to catch as much of the clean, easy-drinking Kölsch as possible. It’s light, it’s refreshing, and no one is complaining.
The Downtown Dilemma: IPA Monsoon Madness
The sky has taken on a deep, resinous hue a few blocks over. This is no delicate Kölsch drizzle—this is an IPA monsoon, and it’s coming down hard.
Bitter hopheads rejoice as a torrent of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit flavors flood the streets. Alleyways are lined with cascading Citra and Mosaic hop waterfalls, and the gutters are practically foaming over with a double IPA’s worth of bitterness.
But not everyone is thrilled. A guy in a business suit, caught without an umbrella, grimaces as a faceful of West Coast IPA hits him at full force. The intensity is too much for some—a few pale lager drinkers have fled to higher ground—but for those who crave the hoppy bite of springtime brews, this is paradise.
The Weizen Deluge: Clove, Banana, and Chaos
In the park, the air is thick with a cloudy downpour of Hefeweizen. Soft droplets of wheat beer collect on the grass, their aromas of banana and clove rising like steam off warm cobblestones.
Joggers slow their pace, lifting their heads to catch a sip of the yeasty, golden nectar, while brunch-goers swap their mimosas for a fresh glass of beer-fueled serendipity. Someone has set up a makeshift beer slip-and-slide, gliding across the lawn on a layer of lightly-carbonated refreshment.
It’s messy, hazy, and for fans of classic wheat beer, it’s absolutely magical.
The Sour Storm Front: A Pucker-Worthy Downpour
Then comes the real wildcard—a Berliner Weisse storm rolls in.
This isn’t a gentle mist or a steady downpour. It’s a full-blown pucker fest as tart, tangy droplets splash onto the pavement. Pedestrians recoil in surprise, their faces twisting into expressions of shock before breaking into delighted grins.
Some areas get a pure, unadulterated lemony tartness. In contrast, others experience a fruited Berliner storm, with hints of raspberry, passion fruit, and peach swirling together like a beer-lover’s dream slushie.
Local bartenders take this beerstorm bounty as an opportunity, whipping up creative beer cocktails with whatever flavors they can catch. Meanwhile, kids—mistaking the scene for an oversized lemonade stand—are eyeing the rain with intense curiosity.
Forecast: 100% Chance of Thirst
As the beerstorm rages on, the town is divided—some reveling in their perfect brew, others seeking out a better microclimate of flavor.
One thing’s for sure: This is the most refreshing rainstorm ever.
And while we can’t control the weather, we can help you brew your perfect spring beer. Take advantage of our Spring Beer Sale—25% off our Spring Fling Cream Ale, The Valley Saison, and Temptation Kölsch kits (excluding yeast) and craft a beer worthy of its legendary downpour.
Because let’s be honest—if the sky started raining beer, you’d want to make sure it was worth catching.
The Best Beers for Spring—Brewed by You!
As the beerstorm begins to fade, the town is left in a hazy, golden glow of satisfaction. Puddles of Maibock shimmer in the streets, a gentle mist of Kölsch lingers in the air, and somewhere, a Berliner Weisse rainbow arcs across the sky. The people—once shocked by this sudden meteorological miracle—now stand, glasses in hand, swapping stories of the perfect pint they caught from the heavens.
It was fun while it lasted, but deep down, every beer lover knows the truth: the best beer isn’t the one that falls from the sky—it’s the one you brew yourself.
Spring is the perfect time to dust off your brew kettle, refresh your ingredient stash, and start crafting something fresh, crisp, and seasonal. Whether you’re craving a classic Kölsch, a farmhouse-fresh Saison, or a smooth and easy-drinking Cream Ale, the best way to celebrate the season is with a beer that fits it perfectly.
And to make it even easier, we’re giving you 25% off our best spring beer kits (excluding yeast).
Spring Fling Cream Ale – Light, crisp, and ultra-refreshing—perfect for a backyard barbecue or a day spent soaking in the sunshine.
The Valley Saison – Bright, peppery, and packed with farmhouse character—a beer that tastes like spring in a glass.
Temptation Kölsch – Clean, smooth, and endlessly drinkable—the ultimate transition beer from winter’s cool days into spring’s warmth.
This deal won’t last forever—just like a good spring shower, it’ll be gone before you know it.
So, why wait for the sky to rain beer when you can brew your own perfect pint? Stock up, start brewing, and let’s make this spring the most flavorful one yet.
What would be your dream beer forecast? Drop us a comment and let us know what you’d love to see falling from the clouds!
Brew Your Own Perfect Pint with the Spring Beer Sale
Spring is here, bringing longer days, warmer breezes, and the perfect excuse to brew something fresh and crisp. In the spirit of the season, we’re kicking off our Spring Beer Sale with 25% off select beer kits (excluding yeast) to help you craft the ultimate springtime pint!
But before we dive into the beers, let’s talk about the absolute dream of every beer lover: What if it rained beer?
What If the Sky Opened Up with a Beerstorm?
Imagine walking outside to find golden streams of beer cascading from the clouds. A soft Kölsch drizzle cools the streets while a Maibock monsoon coats the sidewalks in malty goodness. Over by the park, people dance under a Hefeweizen mist, the air thick with banana and clove aromas. Meanwhile, brave souls pucker up as a Berliner Weisse storm rolls in, adding a tart twist to the forecast.
While we can’t control the weather, we can help you brew beers that taste like they came straight from the heavens. Our Spring Beer Sale features three top-notch seasonal styles, perfect for ushering in the new season.
This smooth and refreshing ale is perfect for those first warm days of the year. This beer is endlessly drinkable with a clean malt backbone, a touch of flaked corn for sweetness, and a bright lemony hop aroma. It’s a great go-to for any springtime occasion, from backyard BBQs to porch sipping.
🔹 ABV: 5.9% | IBU: 30 🔹 Tasting Notes: Light malt sweetness, crisp finish, subtle citrus notes 🔹 Perfect For: Relaxing afternoons, mowing the lawn, or a post-gardening reward
Spring is all about renewal and fresh flavors, and there’s no better beer for the season than a farmhouse Saison. Light and dry with peppery spice and subtle fruit notes, this Belgian-style ale is as lively as the season itself.
🔹 ABV: 6.5% | IBU: 20 🔹 Tasting Notes: Dry, crisp, mildly fruity, with a spicy yeast character 🔹 Perfect For: Pairing with grilled meats, fresh cheeses, and sunny days outdoors
Not quite a lager, not quite an ale, Kölsch is the perfect hybrid for spring. Smooth, clean, and slightly fruity, it’s bright and refreshing without being too heavy. It’s the beer equivalent of that first day you can finally leave the house without a jacket.
🔹 ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 20 🔹 Tasting Notes: Crisp, subtly fruity, with a smooth, dry finish 🔹 Perfect For: Anytime you want a clean, easy-drinking beer with a touch of character
Don’t Wait – Brew Before the Storm Passes!
Just like a good spring shower, this sale won’t last forever. Whether you dream of catching a Kölsch drizzle in your pint glass or basking in a Saison sunburst, these kits are your ticket to brewing a seasonal favorite at home.
A Classic Farmhouse Ale with a Crisp, Complex Finish
If you’re looking for a beer that is both refreshing and full of character, Valley Saison is the perfect choice. This light, highly attenuated Belgian-style saison delivers a dry to slightly tart finish, balanced with mild fruity and spicy aromas. It’s a rustic, farmhouse-style ale that is as enjoyable to drink as it is to brew.
Why Brew Valley Saison?
Saison is a beer style known for its bright flavors, crisp finish, and yeast-driven complexity. Valley Saison captures all of these elements in an easy-to-brew package. BJCP Style 25B
✔ Dry, Refreshing, and Effortlessly Drinkable – This beer finishes at 6.5% ABV but remains light and crisp, making it perfect for any season.
✔ Complex Yet Balanced—A blend of Pilsen, wheat, and Munich malt gives this beer a subtle malt sweetness, while the Belgian-style yeast provides fruity esters and spicy phenolics that define the style.
✔ Subtle Hop Character – A combination of Golding and Saaz hops contributes gentle floral and earthy spice notes, enhancing the farmhouse ale experience.
✔ Perfect for Pairing with Food – Valley Saison complements grilled meats, soft cheeses, seafood, and fresh salads, making it a great beer to enjoy with a meal.
What’s in the Kit?
The Valley Saison Kit costs $30.99 and includes everything you need to brew a bright, yeast-driven farmhouse ale with a dry and complex finish. Yeast is not included in kits, but several options are available in liquid and dry yeast.
OG: 1.059 | FG: 1.009
ABV: 6.5%
IBU: 20 (low bitterness, crisp and refreshing)
Hops: Golding (60 min), Saaz (10 min, 0 min)
Fermentation Temperature: 65-77°F (warmer for more fruit and spice, cooler for a subtle, clean finish)
Who Should Brew Valley Saison?
This bold yet refreshing saison is perfect for:
Homebrewers who love yeast-forward beers with depth and drinkability.
Belgian beer fans who enjoy the balance of fruity, spicy, and earthy flavors.
Warm-weather beer lovers who want something light but complex.
Brew a Classic Farmhouse Ale – Order Your Kit Today!
Valley Saison is a timeless and rustic beer that is both crisp and full of character. With its delicate malt backbone, expressive yeast profile, and refreshing finish, it’s a fantastic addition to any homebrew lineup.
For just $30.99, you can brew your own batch of this bright and flavorful saison.
