Kolsch Water Profile?

VikeMan · May 19, 2012

Any tips on building water (from RO) for a Kolsch? I'm particularly interested in the ideal chloride/sulfate balance/numbers. Or does it even need sulfate at all? TIA!

ajdelange · May 20, 2012

As it is often hopped with noble varieties Kölsch does not want sulfate. Chloride is a different matter. Around 65 mg/L seems to work best for me. Much less than that and it starts to get thin and flat. RO plus 1.9 grams of CaCl2 (25% more than that if your product is 80% CaCl2 which seems to be typical) in 5 gal. gets the chloride to that level and also provides a respectable 36 mg/L calcium.

VikeMan · May 20, 2012

ajdelange said:
As it is often hopped with noble varieties Kölsch does not want sulfate. Chloride is a different matter. Around 65 mg/L seems to work best for me. Much less than that and it starts to get thin and flat. RO plus 1.9 grams of CaCl2 (25% more than that if your product is 80% CaCl2 which seems to be typical) in 5 gal. gets the chloride to that level and also provides a respectable 36 mg/L calcium.

Thanks! How can I tell if my CaCL2 is '80%'? My bag just says CaCL2 on it. (It's the first I've heard of this issue.) Also, does your recommendation refer to a nominal 5 gallon batch, or is that 'per 5 gallons of brewing liquor'? Thanks again!

ajdelange · May 20, 2012

You'd have to do an analysis (titration with EDTA). Most CaCl2 seems to be labeled as containing 76 - 83% actual calcium chloride (the rest is mostly water of hydration) so 80% seems like a reasonable guess. You need to protect the stuff from the air (especially the humid air of the warm weather season if you live in a humid place) or it will continue to pick up water from the air until it becomes soupy.

VikeMan · May 20, 2012

ajdelange said:
You'd have to do an analysis (titration with EDTA). Most CaCl2 seems to be labeled as containing 76 - 83% actual calcium chloride (the rest is mostly water of hydration) so 80% seems like a reasonable guess. You need to protect the stuff from the air (especially the humid air of the warm weather season if you live in a humid place) or it will continue to pick up water from the air until it becomes soupy.

Didn't know that. Thanks! Also, what about the '5 gallon' question? TIA!