Water result

[ManseMasher]

I've added my water results into the calculator on this site. It comes out as needing gypsum, epsom salts, table salt and calcium chloride, all in small amounts (grammes). Will this really make a difference or am I thinking too much?!

 

[clibit]

I've done the same thing before and now I just add gypsum. I think it's all hit and miss unless you test the water you are actually going to use. The water reports give average figures, but these can change a lot from day to day, in some areas at least, depending on the source of the supply.

I think water chemistry is way down the list of priorities, if you get everything else right your beer is going to be great anyway.

 

[ManseMasher]

Thanks clibit - do you add gypsum because your water is soft?

 

[clibit]

Yes mainly. I don't add it to dark beers. I have added calcium chloride to dark beers, but I'm not sure how effective this is.

 

[ManseMasher]

Thanks again. My water is so soft I don't need salt for the dishwasher. I'll give the gypsum a go, and of course Campden for the chlorine.