Let the beer clear?

[jcrawf]

So I've been making a lot of single malt lately trying to build up my reserves for xmas 2013. I've been fermenting on the grain since I'm trying to get a full flavored product. My question is this...
After fermentation and seperation from the spent grain, should I let the beer clear or can I just run it cloudy? I've been letting it clear but I'm not entirely sure if its necessary. I just dont want to open my barrel next christmas and realize I've ruined it. Any info or opinion is welcome.

[Washashore]

It won't be ruined, but it's best to let it clear. Better so, rack it into a secondary, let it clear, and then siphon off.

Nice UDS in your avatar.

[jcrawf]

I figured as much but I think I needed to hear it from another source. I've been making alot of NChooch's Carolina Bourbon over the last few months and I've never let it clear before running it. Tastes great to me.
I made a small batch of Odin's single malt back in January and put it on some oak. I don't think I let that clear but it is coming along great. Just had some last week and loving it.
I have lots of time and lots of grain, maybe I'll try both after I have my barrel full.

Haha, keen eye on spotting the UDS. BBQ is not a common thing to do at home here in MTL. I tore my bicep a little while ago and have been passing the time making ribs, butts, and booze.

thanks for the input.

[King Of Hearts]

It won't be ruined, but it's best to let it clear. Better so, rack it into a secondary, let it clear, and then siphon off.

Nice UDS in your avatar.

That is what I do. It works so I keep doing it.

[Prairiepiss]

Try it all ways. That way you can find the best way for you. What works for one doesn't for another.

You mite let one clear perfectly. And find the flavor isn't just what you were looking for. It it mite be just what your looking for. But you will never know till you try it.

There isn't really a right or wrong way. There is only the best way for you. You just gota find it.