FiveStar 5.2 pH stabiliser

Dave S · Post by **Dave S** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:49 pm

Has anyone tried this? They sell at the HomeBrew Shop. Sounds on the face of it like a panacea - almost too good to be true?

far9410 · Post by **far9410** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 4:49 pm

i might be a bit dim, but how the hell does that work?

masterosouffle · Post by **masterosouffle** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:06 pm

PH buffer, great at keeping ph correct and helps efficiency, some find it adds off flavours...

Dave S · Post by **Dave S** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:41 pm

And I wonder if you still need to add calcium etc. to the mash/boil. Probably not.

Dave S · Post by **Dave S** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:43 pm

Don't like the sound of off flavours though. Five Star reckons it doesn't, but then they would, wouldn't they.

Kev888 · Post by **Kev888** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:50 pm

I seem to recall (ages ago) some threads about it - IIRC many people liked it but apparantly a few people didn't get along with it as well. There was some discussion about possible weaknesses in very soft water and/or the difference between it stabilising the brewing liquor's PH rather than (necessarily) the mash PH and/or 5.2 not being to everyone's preference too. I'm struggling to find the threads I'm remembering, though..

Cheers
Kev

barneey · Post by **barneey** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:06 pm

Kev888 wrote:I seem to recall (ages ago) some threads about it - IIRC many people liked it but apparantly a few people didn't get along with it as well. There was some discussion about possible weaknesses in very soft water and/or the difference between it stabilising the brewing liquor's PH rather than (necessarily) the mash PH and/or 5.2 not being to everyone's preference too. I'm struggling to find the threads I'm remembering, though..

Cheers
Kev

I think from memory I`ve read the same thread somewhere, the advice was to concentrate on the Mash PH. dammed if I can find the link.

mabrungard · Post by **mabrungard** » Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:43 pm

5.2 Stabilizer is a phosphate-based buffer that does not apparently do what it is supposed to. Testing by US homebrewers indicates that it more naturally buffers the mash pH to around 5.8 (room-temperature measurement), which is not very suitable for brewing. In addition, the phosphates are paired with sodium. So adding the stabilizer at the recommended dosage will add a significant sodium concentration to the beer. Not very good for beer flavor.

Although I think very highly of other FiveStar products, this is one to stay away from. Learn to properly adjust your brewing water alkalinity and you will be far better off. The Bru'n Water website provides guidance on why, what, and how to better adjust your brewing water.

Dave S · Post by **Dave S** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 11:03 am

That sound like good advice.

boingy · Post by **boingy** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 7:27 pm

And after you've looked at that software and wondered wtf it's all about, just chuck a bit of 5.2 in and be happy!

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