Should I boil top off water

sillyblue · Nov 17, 2012

I am new to brewing (5 or 6 batches in) and brew with extracts in 2.5 gallon batches.

After my boils I usually end up with 1.25 gallons of wort and transfer that to my carboy. I need to add more water to reach the 2.5 gallon mark. Should I boil and cool this water first? I have not yet and have not had a problem. I buy spring water from the store.

Thanks!!!

MalFet · Nov 17, 2012

The chances of getting an infection from bottled water from the store are quite low. Consider cleaning the outside of the container and spraying it down with your sanitizer before you pour, though.

unionrdr · Nov 17, 2012

You must have one hell of a burner if you're boiling off 50% of the total. Or you're usuing a smaller 3G pot or something. Maybe turn the heat down from a mad boil to a gently rolling one so as not to boil off so much.

cullen · Nov 17, 2012

I have never boiled top-off water in 20 years (on and off) of homebrewing. Some people have strong opinions about that, but my local tap water works just fine. Your mileage may vary.

sillyblue · Nov 17, 2012

unionrdr said:
You must have one hell of a burner if you're boiling off 50% of the total. Or you're usuing a smaller 3G pot or something. Maybe turn the heat down from a mad boil to a gently rolling one so as not to boil off so much.

I am only boiling 1.5G and adding the extract to that

jmprdood · Nov 17, 2012

SB - if your water is good to drink, you can top off with it without boiling it. Been doing it for 20+ years all over the US without an issue ever. Beer is tougher than most here give it credit for.

Cheers!

unionrdr · Nov 17, 2012

sillyblue said:
I am only boiling 1.5G and adding the extract to that

Went back & re-read it. I assumed you were boiling the total 2.5G. But anyway,I've used spring water before & never pre-boiled it. Works fine straight from the jug.

Doctor_Wily · Nov 17, 2012

also use straight from the jug and in my small number of batches so far no issue

Should I boil top off water

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