Finings...To use or not to use

[Dill]

Hi all.

I was recommended to use finings by my local home brew shop and I would appreciate a few views from you guys on this subject.

I will be bottling my brew (Woodfordes Wherry) and wondered

Are finings really necessary?

Are all finings the same?

If not, which if any would you recommend?

Will brew clear on its on in a reasonable amount of time (providing I keep in cool place)?

It says on packet add the day before bottling and stir.
Now I read that, “Once fermentation has started the beer must not be disturbed, any splashing could cause oxidation which results in an unpleasant off flavour”. I suppose fermentation is over when it is time to bottle or barrel but
I am also sure I also read to not make much splashing when actually bottling the brew for the same reasons as above.
So surely when you stir these finings in your brew it is the same as splashing and this may cause oxidation.

I look forward to reading comments on this
Cheers all

[kenny850]

Hi Dill, am about 5 days in front of you on this one-wherry now in keg and i didnt use finings-but as a 1st brew am willing to see what comes out of the tap in 2 weeks or so , will keep you informed, cheers ken

[Dill]

Thanks for the replies Kenn and Daab, it is very much appreciated.
As this is my first kit I have decided that, like you Ken, to make it exactly as the instructions on the box. This way I’ll have a benchmark to go by and perhaps next time, I’ll start fine-tuning it i.e. adding finings etc.
if needed
By the way Ken good luck with your first brew
Cheers lads