Tips for first time pH monitor user??

[Gavin C]

If I send a sample to Ward labs, do I need to tell them what I'm looking for, or do they return a full report as part of their service?

In other news, looks like I need to invest in a digital scale that can measure down to a tenth of a gram...

Ward labs Brewers Report is what you want.

This is the scale I use.

 

[WI_Wino]

You can save $6 and get the w6 mineral test rather than the Brewers test. It gives you all the info you need.

 

[aprichman]

Before you get your water tested you should probably consider if it's surface or ground water. Surface water is going to change significantly throughout the season and cities (like the one I live in) change sources depending on the time of year. Ground water on the other hand is pretty consistent and should have similar values throughout the year.

 

[pretzelb]

Try the free version. It's really good.

It does not do the planning for you. That is for the brewer to decide on the target profile. I just keep it simple, color and balance dictate the target profile.

Fwiw, I am using the free version. That is why I am confused. It is a chicken and the egg scenario. It wants me to enter a target profile but doesn't not guide me on what that might be fur a style.

It's like saying make an IPA with no idea how. At least with Beersmith you can randomly enter ingredients and watch the sliders advise you on the style parameters. In this case I don't even have style parameters.

I was looking at the free version of Bru'n last night as I wrote my last reply and I found nothing to guide me on a profile for style of color. I also haven't found another resource that suggests a target based on color or profile. Every source I've found assumes you have this knowledge. To make an analogy, it's like asking me to enter my water profile without a report from the city.

 

[stuknkrvl]

@aprichman - it's ground water.
@gavin - Thanks again!

 

[IslandLizard]

I don't know if this was mentioned, but doing small "test mashes" to get a good feel of the mashing variables is the easiest and best method.

Mash a pound (or even less) and see if Bru'n Water and your pH readings correspond (room temp samples). Do it as many times as you want with adjustments and/or varying the grists.

You can then pitch those test mashes into your main mash when that's completed, so you don't waste anything.

 

[Gavin C]

It wants me to enter a target profile but doesn't not guide me on what that might be fur a style.

How about choosing the "amber bitter" profile in the target drop down menu? I think that would be a decent place to start for an IPA.

That's what I would use.