I apologize if this has already been posted before, but I couldn't find any pre-existing posts that directly addressed it...
I just used the Bru'n Water spreadsheet for the first time for an upcoming mash, and thought I had everything dialed in (using Pickling Lime to raise my mash pH for a dark brew, since Chalk is reportedly not so good for this).
But then I saw another post that I should wait until after dough-in and check pH after the mash balances out prior to adding any lime, because it could make the strike water pH skyrocket without the acidic grain present to buffer it.
If I test the pH and find that I don't need to add the lime at all (or just less), then my Calcium and Bicarbonate levels are going to be much lower, and wouldn't that affect my desired flavor profile?
And if that's the case, do I then add appropriate amounts of Baking Soda & Calcium Chloride to make up for those deficits? If so, when do I add those? Is it okay to add them to the mash, or will that throw off my mash pH? Or am I good to go with no further adjustments?
Maybe I'm missing something. Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
I just used the Bru'n Water spreadsheet for the first time for an upcoming mash, and thought I had everything dialed in (using Pickling Lime to raise my mash pH for a dark brew, since Chalk is reportedly not so good for this).
But then I saw another post that I should wait until after dough-in and check pH after the mash balances out prior to adding any lime, because it could make the strike water pH skyrocket without the acidic grain present to buffer it.
If I test the pH and find that I don't need to add the lime at all (or just less), then my Calcium and Bicarbonate levels are going to be much lower, and wouldn't that affect my desired flavor profile?
And if that's the case, do I then add appropriate amounts of Baking Soda & Calcium Chloride to make up for those deficits? If so, when do I add those? Is it okay to add them to the mash, or will that throw off my mash pH? Or am I good to go with no further adjustments?
Maybe I'm missing something. Thanks for any help anyone can provide.