pH question

[andypettitt62]

I am hoping to brew tomorrow, and have boiled the water, added calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate as per Camra Classic European beers book.I measured the pH and found it 6.8.Is this too high to brew with, how do I lower it, and does it make that much difference.I have been planning my brew for a few days now and am really looking forward to it, its Fullers ESB

[mixbrewery]

Depends on the type of brewing - mash v extract?

Full mash would benefit from a ph of 5.2 but an extract brew can take a highly ph.

Couple of solutions if you're mashing - use a ph leveller called 5.2, guess what this does?
..or try lactic acid in small doses to lower the ph closer to the magic 5.2

[Wez]

I've used CRS in the mash, 1tsp takes it from >6 to 5.2

[andypettitt62]

so should I check the pH after mashing, sparging or boiling? I've got gypsum in the house, but whats CRS?

[mysterio]

I agree... I brewed many great beers before I even knew what Ph was in regards to beer.

[louthepoo]

and me well not 'many' brews but apart from adding a campden tablet i dont treat my water and the beer is fantastic (even if i do say so myself!)

[BigEd]

I'll second what Daab said. It is the pH of the mash, not the water, that is most important. The residual alkalinity of the water combined with the action of the mash will hopefully yeild a pH of 5.2-5.5. For a standard type ale like an ESB the majority of waters will work OK. Go ahead and brew with it. Chances are beer will happen. When you are ready for further investigation the link below is a good starting point.

http://www.allaboutbeer.com/homebrew/water3.html

[andypettitt62]

Thanks all.Brewed up esb yesterday.I checked the pH of the water out of my reverse osmosis water filter, and thats 6.3 as opposed to 6.8 out of the tap, so i might use that in future.It just takes a long time to get 23litres.

[Wilbur]

Indeed mash ph is very important, if your beer taste great then its not an issue. If your beer suffers from harsh bitterness from the hops, astringency and or severe chill haze then you'd better look into it.