Burton Water Salts

I recently purchased a Brass Ale kit from Midwest. Inside the kit is some Burton Water salts. The directions don't reference the use of them. I will be using spring water as my water base. So.....a couple of questions:

1. Do I need to use them?
2. If so, when do I add them?

David

 

you don't need to at all. they can help accentuate hops bitterness. if you do use them, add them before you start the boil. i know you said you're using spring water, but if you are planning to add things to tap water, get a water report first, you may find the gypsum and chalk in the burton salts are already in the tap water in appropriate levels