Adjusting Water Mineral Content Flashcards
What can happen if the brewer over-mineralises the water?
It can unintentionally change the mash pH out of the target range and make the beer taste less pleasant.
What is a key mineral involved in several brewing processes?
Calcium
What are the two common ways to add calcium to water?
- Calcium chloride (CaCl2.2H2O)
- Calcium sulphate (CaSO4.2H2O)
What is the molecular weight of calcium chloride (CaCl2.2H2O)?
147
Calculate the amount of CaCl2.2H2O needed to add 10 mg/L of calcium.
36.75 mg/L of CaCl2.2H2O
How much chloride is added when 36.75 mg/L of CaCl2.2H2O is added?
17.75 mg/L of chloride
What is the molecular weight of calcium sulphate (CaSO4.2H2O)?
172
Calculate the amount of CaSO4.2H2O needed to add 10 mg/L of calcium.
43 mg/L of CaSO4.2H2O
How much sulphate is added when 43 mg/L of CaSO4.2H2O is added?
24 mg/L of sulphate
What factors should be considered when choosing between calcium chloride and calcium sulphate?
- Base product water composition
- Impact on overall flavour perception
What alternative salts can be used to elevate chloride or sulphate levels?
- Sodium chloride (NaCl)
- Potassium chloride (KCl)
- Potassium sulphate (K2SO4)
- Magnesium chloride (MgCl2.6H2O)
- Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4.7H2O)
What is a caution to keep in mind when adding sodium chloride?
Avoid excessive consumer salt intake.
True or False: The ionic composition of beer after salt additions will be the same as what was added.
False
What is essential to measure after making adjustments to water?
The impact on the ionic composition of the finished beer.
What type of evaluation is vital after adjusting beer water composition?
Statistically robust sensory evaluation
