Why did Johannes Brahms begin writing music for clarinet late in his life?

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Johannes Brahms began writing music for the clarinet late in his life due to his acquaintance with the outstanding clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld. After hearing Mühlfeld perform in 1891, Brahms was inspired to compose several works specifically with the musician's talents in mind.1

These late compositions include:

Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano (1891)1
Quintet for Clarinet and Strings (1891)1
Two Sonatas for Clarinet and Piano (1894)1

These works are noted for their structural perfection and for being beautifully adapted to the unique potentialities of the wind instrument.1