Brewing water treatment has a large impact on the taste of beer, as there is rarely local raw water of the optimal quality required for each. But, the composition of the brewing water determines the taste of the beer. for brewers, water is also a flexible substance, and any style of beer can be brewed to order—as long as it’s done right.
How does water affect the taste of beer?
Since beer is about 90% water, the quality and composition of the water will have a huge impact on the flavor of the beer. Three elements of water affect the taste of beer: mineral content, pH, and alkalinity. The hardness and mineral content of the water impart flavor and affect the fermentation process. The pH value favors enzymatic action in the mash and promotes the proliferation of yeast during the fermentation phase. Alkalinity creates a buffer that protects the pH from fluctuations throughout the brewing process, ensuring bacteria cannot grow and removing excess tannins from the beer. These three factors are inseparable and together determine the taste and color of beer.
The process of steeping in hot water, called mashing, starts the brewing process and prepares the barley for fermentation. During mashing, the crushed grains are hydrated with hot water, forming a thick mixture and activating enzymes in the malt. These enzymes, alpha-amylase, and beta-amylase, convert soluble cereal starch into fermentable sugars. This fermentable liquid, called wort, is a combination of proteins and carbohydrates that affects the malt, mouthfeel, and body of the beer.
What is the source of brewing water?
- Tap water (municipal water): This is the water in your home that contains basic amounts of minerals from local reservoirs.
- Spring or bottled water: This is the water you can buy at the grocery store and contains certain amounts of minerals.
- Distilled or RO (reverse osmosis) water: This is water that has all the minerals removed, producing pure H2O.
Water treatment in brewing
Water is the main ingredient in beer, but one that seems to be ignored by most brewers. I guess you could say that your local water makes the beer your recipe and gives it a unique quality. This is a great idea, but often the water is not suitable for brewing, resulting in a pungent “off-flavor.” If you’re brewing with a kit, you can ignore the water condition and still get good results, since the mashing stage relies most on good water treatment. If you brew using the “all grain” method, then water adjustments will have a greater impact on the quality of your beer. This is due to the effect of mash pH on the extracted wort.
What elements need to be processed?
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4)
Calcium sulfate, known as gypsum, can increase water hardness, lower mash pH, and enhance hop bitterness and dryness. It should be used for flavoring and not to lower the mash pH too much, as too much gypsum can dry out the beer and cause astringency, especially in less hoppy beers.
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)
known as baking soda, it is used to increase the alkalinity of acidic mashes, those using dark malts such as stouts and porters. Black malt will increase the acidity of the mash, so if your water pH is leaning towards the acidic side, it’s best to balance it. Too much baking soda can make your beer taste salty, so be careful not to use too much.
Calcium chloride (CaCl2)
This can also be used to lower the mash pH and ensure good drying results. It aids in various brewing processes, including increasing enzyme activity in the mash, promoting protein coagulation and lees settling in the boil, and increasing yeast viability and flocculation during fermentation. Care should be taken not to add too much as this can cause unpleasant dryness.
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4)
Known as Epsom salts, they are most used to soak your feet after a long day of soaking. But, a small amount can round out the malt character and enhance the hoppy mouthfeel. Care should be taken not to add too much as it can cause a bitter, pungent off-flavor.
How is water treated?
reverse osmosis
The water produced by reverse osmosis is soft, acidic, and free of foul-smelling contaminants such as iron, nitrites, chlorine, and chloramines. Using reverse osmosis water provides brewers with the perfect blank slate to create and execute their beer recipes from scratch. The high purity of reverse osmosis water eliminates the risk of any unwanted flavors and allows brewers to control every element of the ionic composition of the brewing water.
carbon filter
If you’re not ready to invest in a reverse osmosis system, a carbon filtration system will provide you with water without the damaging chlorine aftertaste. Reverse osmosis uses carbon pre- and post-filters to protect the membrane from the effects of chlorine and improve the taste and smell of the water. Through an adsorption process, activated carbon filters absorb contaminants in the water. The organic compounds stick to the large surface of the carbon filter like Velcro. Carbon filters are covered with pores that trap contaminants in the water flowing through them. These pores are micron-sized and reduce chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds in the water supply.
Distilled water machine
Water distillers are very like reverse osmosis and produce water that does not contain any minerals, metals, or organic matter. This is achieved through distillation, a process that mimics the earth’s natural water purification process. A water distiller boils small amounts of water at a time, completely converting it into vapor form. This water vapor is then cooled and returned to the liquid state. During the distillation process, everything from iron to fluoride remains in the boiling chamber, and the water that comes out is free of any contaminants or minerals. This water allows you to create any mineral profile you want, and some breweries use distilled water.
Get a turnkey solution for brewery equipment
If you plan to open or expand the brewery, you can contact Micet Craft directly. Our engineers will design and manufacture brewery equipment according to your brewing process. Of course, we will also provide you with a complete turnkey solution. Also, if you plan to expand the brewery, we will provide you with customized solutions.