The white stuff in your beer is known as sediment. Sediment is composed of yeast and protein particles that can be found in the final product. There are two main reasons why sediment may be present in your beer.
Firstly, some breweries choose not to filter or pasteurize their beer before kegging or bottling. This means that the beer is not subjected to a process that removes any particles or impurities, including yeast and proteins. As a result, these particles remain in the beer and can settle at the bottom of the bottle or keg over time. This is more common in craft breweries or those that aim to preserve the natural flavors and characteristics of their beer.
I have personally encountered sediment in unfiltered beers, and it can be quite interesting to observe. It often appears as a cloudy or hazy substance at the bottom of the bottle or glass. It can vary in consistency, ranging from fine particles to larger clumps. While it may not look appealing, it is generally safe to consume and won't affect the taste of the beer.
The second reason for sediment in beer is bottle conditioning. Bottle conditioning is a process in which live yeast is added to the beer just before bottling, along with a small amount of sugar. This additional yeast consumes the sugar, producing carbon dioxide, which results in natural carbonation. During this process, the yeast also settles at the bottom of the bottle, forming sediment.
Bottle-conditioned beers can offer unique flavors and aromas, as well as added complexity due to the continued fermentation that occurs in the bottle. This can be particularly desirable in certain beer styles, such as Belgian ales or traditional English ales. However, it also means that sediment may be present in the beer, especially if it has been stored for an extended period.
When pouring a bottle-conditioned beer, it is important to pour carefully to avoid disturbing the sediment. Some beer enthusiasts even choose to leave a small amount of beer in the bottle to avoid pouring the sediment into their glass. However, others enjoy the added flavors and mouthfeel that sediment can contribute to the beer.
The white stuff in your beer is sediment, which consists of yeast and protein particles. It can be present due to the brewery's decision not to filter or pasteurize the beer, or it can result from bottle conditioning. Sediment can offer unique characteristics to the beer, but it is a matter of personal preference whether you choose to consume it or not.