swap citric for lactic acid

[phbern]

HI,

I have a recipe for a schwartzbier that calls for .035fl oz of lactic acid (88%). I only have citric acid on hand; can I use this instead? What amount? It's obviously a very tiny amount to begin with, but my recipe program (Grainfather) won't let me re-run the water calculations without it. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Johnny2]

I'm not a beer brewer, I have no idea why you need to that small amount of lactic acid to beer. I asked chatgpt and it said that 1ml (.035floz) of pure lactic acid is comparable to about 1,6 grams of citric acid.

 

[mabrungard]

The problem with citric acid is that it does have a prominent flavor and aroma. With the small amount of acid needed, it may be possible to make that substitution and not have it affect your beer.

 

[lumpher]

I wouldn't use it, but to get past it in Grainfather, I'd plug in the lowest amount it'll accept.

 

[phbern]

Thanks, everyone! I made some other adjustment to the recipe and water additions and didn't need the acid anymore. We'll see how it comes out in a couple months!