First Brew with Bru 'n Water

[Dave S]

My first brew, (a Draught Bass clone) using Bru 'n Water has been in cask for a week now and, although it's got a bit to go yet, the taste is superb. I think I can say it's the best batch yet since my re-acquaintance with brewing a year ago. So hats off to Martin.

I'm still having problems with clearing for reasons yet to be pin-pointed. Onward and upward.

[simple one]

An explanation of your water and your water additions would be interesting to see how much it differs from other water calculators. Please!

[Dave S]

An explanation of your water and your water additions would be interesting to see how much it differs from other water calculators. Please!

The main 2 differences between Bru 'n Water from other calculators I've seen is that:

1. it uses discreet acids, (in my case phosphoric) as opposed to CRS. CRS raises the chloride levels as well as sulphate levels. I am lead to believe that excess levels of the former can cause harsh tastes in pale beers, and that was my experience.

2. It takes account of the acids in the grain when calculating the mash pH.

It's early days yet, but there is certainly an improvement in the first brew with the new treatment.

[simple one]

Not really bothered about point 1.... But then my (old) alkalinity only used to range from 120-180 ppm. So maybe not too much chlorides.

Point two though, makes me suspect when I go back to a high alkalinity area I will be using a similar method of working out my acid additions.

Anyway thanks for the extra info.