Beer Forum

When stirring the wort to create a whirlpool (in North America (California), should you stir clockwise or counter-clockwise.

I've read both.

I have been stirring counter-clockwise because that's the way my toilet goes but I read an article in BYO and the author said clockwise was the proper way.

Anyone else have an opinion.

I go counter-clockwise. I have no reason for it at all. I can't really see how it would matter. I'm wrong a lot tho. Just ask my wife. I'm glad I like the couch.

Travis

I have a whirlpool and it goes counter-clockwise. 50/50 choice and I took CC. I don't think it matters...

Dr Scott

My guess would be that if you went counter-clockwise that your whirlpool would last longer due to the coriolis effect. Coriolis effect cause water that is draining through and opening to spin a praticular direction due to the rotation of the earth.
However since you are the one suppling the motion to create to whirlpool I think that the difference between the 2 would only be measurable with scientific instrument.

Brad

There we go bringing science into this brewing thing! . Thanks for the info wezil! I have been doing it clockwise, I'll give cc a shot and see what happens.

Coriolis effect is only an issue with massive-scale things like weather systems . If you had a huge, shallow pan of water draining you might be able to see it. Small scale things like sinks and toilets are more influenced by engineering in how they end up swirling one way or another.
I read somewhere that people have a natural tendency to move counter-clockwise (or anti-clockwise for our Queens English mates) when given a choice.

I flushed a toilet while on the equator and it went straight down

Dogger

Yeah, but did you put the toilet seat back down?