Malt, hops, yeast, and water are the four major raw materials for craft beer brewing. Water accounts for a large proportion of beer, and breweries cannot underestimate its impact on the taste and quality of beer. Today, Tiantai will discuss what kind of water breweries should use when brewing beer.
Before introducing the optional water sources, let us first understand the following effects of water quality on beer: Water quality affects the activity of enzymes and the solubility of minerals and is also directly related to the flavor and quality of beer. In the brewing process of craft beer, the characteristics of different water sources create a beer with various tastes. Therefore, choosing the right water quality is one of the important factors in brewing good-quality and distinctive craft beer.
It is said that good wine should be brewed with good water， so what kind of water can be called “good water”? The following are the types of water sources that breweries can use. Let’s take a look together!
Tap water
Tap water is the most easily accessible water source for breweries. In most cases, there is no problem using tap water for brewing. However, the water quality in different regions is different, such as the calcium and magnesium ion content or water hardness, which will affect the taste of beer and reduce the beer quality in the brewery.
RO reverse osmosis water
Water molecules flow through the membrane to the high-pressure side on the low-pressure side of the membrane, while other ion molecules and particles dissolved in the water are intercepted by the membrane, thereby achieving water purification and separation. The pore size of reverse osmosis is extremely small, which can effectively remove impurities in the water such as dissolved salts, organic matter, heavy metal ions, etc., and obtain high-quality pure water to meet the brewery’s brewing needs. Therefore, water treated by reverse osmosis is an ideal choice for brewing beer.
Filtered water
Some breweries filter tap water before using it for brewing. This method is convenient and economical, and it can also ensure that the water quality meets the brewery’s needs. However, the brewery should ensure that enough brewing water is filtered out in advance before starting brewing.
Well water
Well water can be used for brewing to a certain extent, especially drinking well water. However, to ensure the quality of beer, we recommend using reverse osmosis water or filtered water. If you choose well water, please make sure it is safe and hygienic.
River and lake water
Since river and lake water may contain various chemicals and pollutants, using it as a brewing water source is not recommended. Using such a water source may have an unpredictable impact on the quality of beer.
Water is one of the main raw materials for craft beer. Choosing a suitable brewing water source is very important for breweries. Tiantai recommends a warm reminder: On the road to pursuing special craft beer, do not ignore the impact of water quality on beer, and strictly control every brewing link. Only in this way can more unique and high-quality craft beer be presented to consumers, thereby enhancing the brand image of the brewery, attracting more customers, and bringing continuous and stable revenue growth to the brewery. Shandong Tiantai has provided engineering general contracting and project design services to more than 2,600 users at home and abroad. In addition to the provision and delivery of beer brewing equipment, we provide high-quality brewing technology services and support to the majority of craft beer practitioners free of charge. If you need equipment, please consult Tiantai. www.craftbreweryequipment.com
