isinglass

Brewer's clarifying agent

Isinglass is a form of gelatin obtained from the swim bladders of fish, particularly sturgeon.

It has been used for centuries as a clarifying agent in brewing beer and wine, helping to remove cloudiness by binding to yeast particles.

Isinglass also refers to thin transparent sheets of mica, once used in windows and lanterns before glass became widely available.

The brewer added isinglass to clarify the ale.

gelatin

collagen

Structural body protein

sturgeonLarge armored fish
swim bladderFish buoyancy organ
gelWobbly semi-solid substance

gelatine · aspic · jelly · glue · adhesive · bookbinding · gelling · thickener · animal glue · size

mica

mica

Layered silicate mineral

muscoviteCommon pale mica
sheetFlat rectangular material
transparentAllowing light through

window · lantern · stove · mineral · silicate · flake · peep · furnace · insulation · heat-resistant

brewing

clarification

Making meaning plain

finingLevying monetary penalties
beerFermented grain drink
wineFermented grape beverage

ale · fermentation · clarity · filtration · haze · sediment · wort · brewmaster · cask · barrel

Categories

animal productswool, leather, hide, pelt, fur
animal byproductstallow, lard, gelatin, bone meal, blood meal
fish byproductsfish meal, fish oil, fish scales, fish heads, fish guts
winemaking additivesbentonite, gelatin, casein, egg whites, albumin
seafoodfish, shrimp, crab, lobster, salmon
preserved seafooddried fish, salted fish, salt fish, fermented fish, smoked salmon

Opposites

fining/clarifying agent source

isinglasssilica gel

Moisture-absorbing granular material

Irish moss · agar · pectin · bentonite

material composition for glazing

isinglassplate glass

Flat polished window material

acrylic sheet · tempered glass · polycarbonate · window glass · plexiglass

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G