Zinc and your brewing water
Zinc plays a vital role in yeast health and fermentation. It’s an essential nutrient that supports yeast metabolism—but when present in excess, it can become toxic and lead to undesirable metallic off-flavors in your beer. How does Zinc affect your beer? Zinc helps promote healthy yeast activity by accelerating fermentation and preventing stuck fermentations. It […]
TDS and your Brewing Water
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is a measurement of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water, such as minerals, salts, metals, and organic matter. In brewing, it can be used as a general indicator of mineral content in the water. What is the role of TDS in your brewing water? TDS does not directly impact […]
Sulfate to Chloride Ratio
The Sulfate to Chloride Ratio of your brewing water can help you determine how the combination of these ions will be perceived in the taste of your beer. These ratios will determine if your brewing water chemistry is more fitting for a beer that is more malt forward or more focused on bitterness. This difference […]
Sodium and your brewing water
Many brewers worry that using softened water might ruin their beer. But how exactly does sodium interact with your brew—and what levels are considered appropriate? How does Sodium affect your beer? Unlike many other water parameters, sodium doesn’t typically impact the fermentation process directly. However, when used in the right proportions, sodium can enhance the […]
Potassium and your brewing water
Potassium— found naturally in malt—is a key ion in wort and has subtle effects on both enzyme activity and flavor perception. While it’s present in nearly all brewing malts, understanding its thresholds and interactions helps you manage mash performance and final beer character. How does Potassium affect your beer? Potassium is required for yeast growth […]
Residual Alkalinity
Learning how Residual Alkalinity affects mash pH helps brewers optimize water chemistry for better beer. Discover ideal RA levels, calculations, and adjustments.
Copper and your brewing water
Copper is a common metal used in brewing equipment, but does it leech into your brewing water and what effect does it have on your beer? How does Copper affect your beer? Copper can be a beneficial chelating agent in your brewing water. Meaning that it will bind to other particles and prevent haze. But […]
