MINERAL BOTTLE WATER

[thewelshwizard1]

Morning all

Has anyone used bottled mineral water before for they're brewing, I'm sure I've seen a thread on here in the past however I couldn't find it, plus I'm sure it's to do with the Ph levels by using it...

Anyway, thoughts/experiences along with pro's and con's chaps ?

Cheers

 

[MmmBeer]

Many members use bottled water, especially if their mains water is hard and if they are making a pale beer.

Ashbeck water from Tesco is usually the water of choice, as it has a very low mineral content (which can be supplemented to produce the ideal water profile for the beer style) and it is cheap.

 

[thewelshwizard1]

Many members use bottled water, especially if their mains water is hard and if they are making a pale beer.

Ashbeck water from Tesco is usually the water of choice, as it has a very low mineral content (which can be supplemented to produce the ideal water profile for the beer style) and it is cheap.

Thanks mate

I might give it a try, our water supply isn't that bad to be honest but I like to experiment and try new different things

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Morrisons sell bottled water at 99p for 5 litres, I was brewing a kit in Brixham where the water is crap. I bought 5x5 litres and used about 18 litres, results were good.

 

[thewelshwizard1]

Any good or not, could make DJ's out of these also ?

Currently £1 for 5L

 

[MmmBeer]

Have a look at the mineral analysis. This one is for the Morrisons water

This is the Tesco one

Note that Morrisons' quote in mg/100ml compared with mg/litre by Tesco, so the mineral content in the Morrisons' water is significantly higher. Also the Morrisons' water has a higher pH, which is not ideal for brewing, as the enzymes in the malt work best in acidic conditions.

 

[thewelshwizard1]

Have a look at the mineral analysis. This one is for the Morrisons water

View attachment 21007
This is the Tesco one
View attachment 21009
Note that Morrisons' quote in mg/100ml compared with mg/litre by Tesco, so the mineral content in the Morrisons' water is significantly higher. Also the Morrisons' water has a higher pH, which is not ideal for brewing, as the enzymes in the malt work best in acidic conditions.

So Tesco is better then, even though it's 10p more per BOTTLE

Cheers I'll pop by Tesco

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

Asda bottled water is only £1 for 5 litre and doesn’t look to be hugely different from the Tesco one

 

[Brew_DD2]

Any good or not, could make DJ's out of these also ?

Currently £1 for 5L

I've used the 5l bottles for cider a few times and they work out great. Just remember to leave the lid loose!

 

[thewelshwizard1]

I've used the 5l bottles for cider a few times and they work out great. Just remember to leave the lid loose!

Only think is you'll have to buy the rubber grommets for the lids or buy the tops separate ?

 

[Brew_DD2]

Only think is you'll have to buy the rubber grommets for the lids or buy the tops separate ?

Airlock not necessary. Just put the lid on but don't tighten it so it's airtight.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

PET bottles for carbonated drinks have slots on the thread to release the co2 before the cap is removed, not sure still water bottles have them.

 

[Brew_DD2]

We are talking about using as a demijohn, not for packaging to. CO2 is blown off through the loose cap sitting on the top.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

I know that I'm asking are there slots on the bottle thread so co2 can escape

 

[Brew_DD2]

I don't know about the slots, but CO2 does escape if you loosen the lid sufficiently.

 

[SteveH]

I generally use the 5l Tesco Ashbeck bottles for pale beers and can confirm they work great as disposable demijohns for cider or secondary fermenting :)

I got some airlocks/grommets of ebay and drilled a few lids but I've also just covered the top with foil and elastic band before too.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Only think is you'll have to buy the rubber grommets for the lids or buy the tops separate ?

Members have drilled a 9mm hole in the lid which they say is small enough for a standard airlock to be airtight.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Buy grommets they're cheap, I drilled my FV lids and fitted them.

 

[thewelshwizard1]

Members have drilled a 9mm hole in the lid which they say is small enough for a standard airlock to be airtight.

Even without a grommet CT ?

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Yes, i believe the airlock diameter is slightly bigger than 9mm so you have to force it into the hole in the cap.

Edit - I have measured one of my handy airlocks and it looks like its 10mm diameter.

.