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water treatment?
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:31 pm
by Tim Gregory
I have to admit I never really pay much attention to my water. But I've noticed my hoppy beers just don't have the oomph I want, so I wonder if maybe the water could improve them. What would you guys do to your water for a hoppy pale ale?
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 11:03 pm
by amartin
I use gypsum. 2-3 tsp for 5 gallons is enough for me.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 1:14 pm
by IanCompetent
Agree with amartin. B Brian Boogie told me that he's figured out that 4g of gypsum does the trick (per 6 gallons), which I'm sure he derived from reading a water profile of Halifax water. I've been going by that ever since and have been happy with the hop flavours in my beers. Now if I could just get my carbonation right...
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 1:45 pm
by Tim Gregory
Thanks guys.
I went with about 2 tbs of gypsum.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 2:00 pm
by Jimmy
According to Mr NASH, 2g per gallon of water...as per this post:
NASH wrote:Oh and add 2g per gallon of gypsum to the brew. 10 gallon batch - use 20g or so, that will get you up around 300ppm sulfate and 130ppm calcium if you are using city water. Add 1/3 of it directly to the mash as you are adding the last of the grains and stir it in. Add the remaining 2/3 directly to the kettle immediately
after you hit a good rolling boil, best to hydrate it first in a bit of water for the boil addition too, it helps with dispersion since it's not very soluble.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 4:03 pm
by KMcK
Keep in mind that Halifax water and Dartmouth water have different geochemistries.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:59 pm
by pet lion
JOHN PALMER ON "RESIDUAL ALKALINITY & BREWING WATER"
Haven't started messing with my water yet myself but those do, or want to, might be interested in the video linked above.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 7:56 am
by McGruff
http://www.breweq.com/Home.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here is an option to take the guess work out of water calculations.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 11:23 am
by Jayme
You would need to use RO or distilled water for those salt treatments is the only catch. If you use Promash or Beersmith you can enter your water report and adjust your water that way. John Palmer also has some free spreadsheet calculators, and others do too. None of these systems are perfect, but they will get you quite close.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:57 am
by McGruff
I use RO water. I also use that excel program you can download for free.
Google EZ water calculator. I like this one the best.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:05 am
by sleepyjamie
does noble grape sell gypsum?
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:27 am
by Jayme
sleepyjamie wrote:does noble grape sell gypsum?
Yes - it's expensive though. IIRC ~$2/100g.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:27 am
by sleepyjamie
Jayme wrote:sleepyjamie wrote:does noble grape sell gypsum?
Yes - it's expensive though. IIRC ~$2/100g.
icky.
where are you guys buying it from?
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:34 am
by Jayme
That's where I've been getting mine, but I need to order a few bits and pieces from Morebeer soon and I'm going to get a pound for $2.95. I suppose NG likely would sell a larger amount for a better price too - just not something I've looked into yet.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:16 am
by mr x
There's a place in Burnside that sells chemicals. Search here or PM Nash.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 8:55 am
by McGruff
You shouldn't need a lot of it though.
Re: water treatment?
Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 10:07 am
by Jayme
McGruff wrote:You shouldn't need a lot of it though.
I would say it depends on how much you brew...