target PH for IPA

[urg8rb8]

I have the following:

14# 2 row
11.0 oz. C60

2.0 oz. Magnum @ 60 mins
1.0 oz. Cyrstal @ 5 mins
1.0 oz. Magnum @ 5 mins
1.0 oz. Magnum hops (dry hop)
1.0 oz. Crystal hops (dry hop)
1.0 oz. Citra hops (dry hop)

Using RO Water and no salts, Brun Water tells me my PH is 5.54 with just the grain alone. First of all, what is a good ph level to accentuate the hops? Second of all, what is a good salt to adjust to the optimal PH and also bring out the hop flavor? Gypsum? Anything else? Thanks!

 

[BobBailey]

When using a water calculator I recommend shooting for pH 5.4. This gives you a some wiggle room on either side while staying in the ideal mash pH range.

As for salts, add enough Gypsum(Calcium Sulfate) and Calcium Chloride to get to around 80 to 120 ppm of calcium. You want about 3 times as much Sulfate as Chloride. The higher sulfate level will drive the beer to the dry side which helps accentuate the hops.

The above salt additions should get you close to the right mash pH, but it's always good to have some Lactic Acid and Baking Soda on hand for final adjustments.

 

[urg8rb8]

Thanks for your input!

After doing some trial and error, I came up with the following:

1.3g/gal Calcium Sulfate
.4g/gal Calcium Chloride

That brought the ph down to 5.25

Then I added .31g/gal of Baking Soda to bring the ph back up to 5.4

This gives me the following:

118ppm Calcium
22ppm Sodium
192ppm Sulfate
68ppm Chloride

I looked at Bru'n Water's Pale Ale profile and it recommends the following:

140ppm calcium
25ppm Sodium
300ppm Sulfate
55ppm Chloride

I have no idea how to imagine how these changes will affect taste.

 

[BobBailey]

Given what your starting point was, I would expect good results. Although Brew'n Water gives you different numbers, the ratios are pretty much the same. You may want to make some adjustments on the Sulfate/Chloride ratio over time, but this gives you a good starting point. As long as you understand the effects of Calcium. Sulfates, Chlorides and mash pH, you're on your way.

The 4th edition of How to Brew by John Palmer is an excellent reference for all aspects of brewing and presents information in a very understandable way.

 

[dmtaylor]

Add gypsum and aim for 5.3-5.4.

 

[BobBailey]

If you want to keep it simple, Dave's advice is sound.

 

[urg8rb8]

Thanks for all the responses! This beer turned out fantastic!