Gypsum? Irish Moss?

[Ang]

I have not brewed in about 8 years, but I'm planning to light the burner tomorrow. This past week, I was going through all of my brewing equipment that I just got returned to me, taking an inventory of what's there and what I need to buy and/or refurbish (such all of the hoses). Anyway, I came across some Irish Moss, which I threw out because it was nearly a decade old, and a container of gypsum. I remember that the Irish Moss is used for clarity (right?), but I cannot remember when to toss that in. Likewise, I cannot remember what the gypsum was used for at all, as well as when to add that. Does that have anything to do with hard or soft water? Previously, I brewed with water from a house in Ohio that had a water softener. Now, I'm in Miami, FL where we don't use a water softener except on the boat, and I'm brewing at a friend's house since the boat moves too much. This time, I'm planning to use bottled water when adding it to my wort in the primary (I'm an extract brewer). I just can't remember why I had gypsum.

I'm pretty sure I've resurrected the memory for the rest of the process and the ingredients. Can someone enlighten/remind me about the use of Irish Moss and gypsum? Thanks.

Ang

 

[stevo4361]

I use Irish moss at the last 15 min of the boil, 1/2 teaspoon per 5 gallons, for clarity and works for me. I've never used gypsum myself, but I think you are right it adjusts your water profile. Welcome back to brewing!

 

[Ang]

Thanks. It's good to be back.

I'm off to the one and only homebrew supply store in the Miami area. I hope it is a decent supply store. Brewing is a little more difficult down here due to the heat, and it's definitely less popular. I sure hope I don't have mail order supplies as that will mess up my plans for having a brew day tomorrow.