Expert: John Snyder - 1/4/2007

Question
What distinguishes the Ice Brewing process from other brewing processes?
What are the advantages of Ice brewing on the final product as compared to normally brewed beers?

Answer
The difference is after the brewing process. In the storage,or finishing process,the beer is chilled to 24-28 degrees F,forming water ice crystals,but not cold enough,to freeze the alcohol.The frozen water crystals are then removed,by filtration.This results in a very slight increase in alcohol,due to some water removal.Some more haze forming,and bitter tasting proteins are also removed.This was a sales gimmick,to promote a higher alcohol beer.There is no real advantage,in the ice process,over the normal finishing process.Pay the price for higher beer alcohol content,then the higher price for the "ice beer"