London issues

[Brew_George]

Hello all,

I've just moved from near Burton-on-Trent to London... so I've got a few questions for people with London homebrew experiences:

1) Are there any shops in London that supply crushed grains?

2) I've gone from Burton water to what-ever it is down here water, do I need to start experimenting with water compositions to keep my favourite brews consistent or will it have a negligible impact? (I mainly brew British ales, Hefe's, IPA's and Stouts).


Thanks for any help!

 

[oldjiver]

I understand London water is recycled about 7 times :sick: Gives a whole new meaning to "going on the piss". Your water will be something like my Essex water and I have to boil it to remove carbonate.

 

[NickW]

Aleman told me a couple of weeks ago, asda smart price water plus a teaspoon of gypsum in the strike water, and a teaspoon in the boil is a good all round water for most brews.

At only 17p for a 2 litre bottle its a sound purchase :thumb:

 

[BIGJIM72]

Hope this helps George:
Get your local water report for a start & go from there. The calculator above left is very useful.

My treatment involves 1 crushed Campden tablet, 1/2 teaspoon of salt,same of Epsom Salts & 1 teaspoon of Gypsum per 23lt AG brew.

Depending on which area of London for HBS- Cheers is down in the SW,but thats about it really. There are Wilcos dotted around for basics if you wish.

I use Easy Home Brew (forum sponsor)-they are just off J10 of the M20 at Ashford-they deliver & there is still a valid 10% off discount for forum members.

 

[Pearlfisher]

I'm lucky living near to Malvern Wells , I get my spring water free for my beer and wine ,it always produces excellent results.

 

[anthonyUK]

For lighter beers such as lager and pale ales you may need to to reduce the alkalinity a bit.

 

[Templar]

I'm in London, and I haven't actually found any place that sells a good range. I tend to use a website called Biggerjugs, who do let you pick up (though if you're not in NW London then it might be easier to find elsewhere). There really isn't a good range of homebrew shops here.

As for water, I do nothing, but then I'm new to all this and I'm not that picky!

 

[Brew_George]

Nice one all,

I put on a Brewferm Grand Cru kit last weekend.... currently debating an EPA/ESB which may suit this water situation. But I'm heading to buy some bottled water now anyway!

George

 

[BIGJIM72]

Try here for a local London water report

http://secure.thameswater.co.uk/dynamic ... sl/899.htm