In this episode of the Quality-focused Pro Brewers Podcast, Hendo from Rockstar Brewer Academy and Adsy delve into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of brewing – water chemistry. They aim to demystify how water, which constitutes 95% of beer, influences beer flavor and quality. The discussion highlights common mistakes brewers make by focusing too much on malt, hops, and yeast while neglecting water. Key challenges such as setting clear water chemistry objectives, understanding water’s role in beer’s flavor profile, and the limitations of relying on algorithms for water adjustments are explored. They advise brewers to prioritize beer pH, sulfate to chloride ratio, and calcium concentration over historical water profiles. Practical tips include getting water tested, proper use of brewing salts, and the importance of managing pH through all brewing stages. The insights aim to empower brewers to improve beer quality significantly by mastering water chemistry.

00:00 Introduction to Brewing Water Chemistry

00:53 The Importance of Water in Brewing

03:33 Challenges and Common Mistakes in Brewing Water Chemistry

06:14 Understanding Water Profiles and Why Relying on the Beersmith, Brew Father or Brewer’s Friend Algorithm Is Bullsh*t

08:14 Historical Water Profiles: Myths and Realities

13:25 The Importance of Testing Your Water at a reputable Lab

17:18 The 3 Key “Flavour Numbers” in Brewing Water Chemistry

20:42 Understanding Calcium in Beer

21:37 The Impact of Beer Color on pH in Brewing

22:32 Adjusting pH with Malts

25:07 The Role of pH in Beer Flavor

26:09 Using Bru’n Water Spreadsheet

12:05 Controlling Beer pH During Brewing

32:00 Tips for Managing Beer pH

34:25 Avoiding Common pH Mistakes

39:04 Final Thoughts on Water Chemistry

Be sure to connect with us at https://qualityfocusedprobrewers.com where you can join our Facebook group, chat with fellow Pro-Brewers in a constructive environment and chat with Hendo & Adsy!

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