Water modification for extract brews?

carbon111 · 06-19-2009, 06:24 PM

Is it something I should consider? If I'm not doing AG does the water PH really matter? My tap water is actually very good, sourced mostly from glacial runoff.

Is there a good guide to what makes "acceptable brewing water"?

I see a lot of gypsum and burton water salts in some recipes and wonder if I need to alter my water to avoid astringency or the "extract tang" I sometimes hear about. A couple of my brews have been a little astringent but most are great.

**944play** · 06-19-2009, 06:45 PM

A little gypsum (like half a gram per gallon) makes hoppy beers brighter and sharper. The yeast will appreciate the calcium, too.

**ShortSnoutBrewing** · 06-19-2009, 06:59 PM

Aside from the above, with extract you don't need to worry about anything. If your water is good to drink you're good to go.

**EdWort** · 06-19-2009, 07:04 PM

With Extract, I use RO water. So I will steep with my tap water, then top up to 7 gallons with RO water and add the extract.

Extract has all the minerals & salts it needs.

carbon111 · 06-19-2009, 07:08 PM

RO water?

Really Organic?
Ripe Orange?
Rank Orangutan?
Repulsively Opaque?
Richly Ossified?

Throw the new guy a bone?

**GreenwoodRover** · 06-19-2009, 07:10 PM

reverse osmosis

carbon111 · 06-19-2009, 08:03 PM

Thanks!

Is that a filtration process for home or do I have to go/do somewhere/something "special"?

**EdWort** · 06-19-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbon111

Thanks!

Is that a filtration process for home or do I have to go/do somewhere/something "special"?

Yes.

I get mine at the Glacier Water dispenser at my local grocery store for $0.35 a gallon.

carbon111 · 06-19-2009, 09:34 PM

Thanks.

The local grocer has some sort of dispenser for water though I never really took a close look at it - as I said, our water is generally very good. I did some googling and found a RO system for home at about $300.

What exactly is the benefit of RO?

BTW - about to brew your Apfelwein.

**944play** · 06-20-2009, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carbon111

What exactly is the benefit of RO?

It makes water nearly as pure as distilled. It's a waste for you in the PNW with your super-soft water - all you need to do to your tap water is remove the chlorine or chloramine with a carbon filter, campden tabs, or both.