Why should you love water?
There is little talk about how essential water is in the vast world of beer. If you wonder why the great beer teachers seem to have a mystical aura, the answer is largely in their relationship with this vital liquid. It turns out that more than 90% of our beloved foamy drink is water, so, do not underestimate the power of H2O!
Knowing your local water
Your water comes from two main sources: the surface of lakes and rivers, or from the depths of underground aquifers. Each source brings with it a show of minerals and organic ones that can radically alter the taste. The variability in tap water quality throughout the year is something that many do not consider, but it can be key for those summer days in which you long for a very cold IPA.
Water tests: your first step
To really know your water, you will need to check six fundamental ions. You can do it through a laboratory or with simple test kits. I assure you that you will not want to end a beer that knows ‘Water from the unprepared tap’.
Water ions and its influence on the flavor
Let’s talk about those six friends that you will have to know: calcium, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, sodium and magnesium. Each provides their grain of sand to determine the character of your beer and it is crucial to learn to play with them if you aspire to incredible beers.
A rapid ion break -in
Calcium helps acidify the must and stabilize your beer, while bicarbonate can make everything rise in pH, which, if you are home breeder, do not want. On the other hand, sulfate highlights the most bitter beers and chloride, the comfort of a more maltose drink. Let’s not forget the sodium, which adds sweetness and magnesium, who is the friend who supports yeast in fermentation.
Adjusting the beer water: an art
When it comes to adjusting the water profile, there are two family approaches: the addition of salts and the use of acid. If you want a perfect pH from 5.2 to 5.6 during the conversion of the malt, you will have to use your beer alchemist skills. It is said that the practice makes the teacher, so do not be afraid to experiment.
The use of software: your best tool
With the technology of the modern era, brewware programs facilitate life. Loading the initial profile of your water and selecting the desired final profile can be as simple as pressing a couple of buttons. You can even make your water join forces to achieve that perfect drink!
Final reflections
Each beer sip tells a story, and the water quality is a fundamental part of that narrative. So, whether you are cooking a refreshing blonde or a robust porter, do not forget that water is your best friend in this beer adventure. We provide for her, for the brewers and for those memoirs that we create in each cup. Health!