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​Struggling with Malty and High Gravity Beers? It Might Be Your Water.

​Struggling with Malty and High Gravity Beers? It Might Be Your Water.

Posted by Matteo Lahm on 12th Jun 2023

You take great care to assemble the right ingredients for your beers, but have you ever considered your water profile? Today, we're diving into the world of ACCUmash SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.090 OG Water Treatment. This innovative product is designed to help you achieve the perfect water profile for your malty, high-gravity brews. So, let's get started and explore what ACCUmash is, and learn how it can help you get your specialty brews to the next level.

So what exactly is ACCUmash SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.090 OG Water Treatment?

ACCUmash Water Treatment SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.090 OG is a blend of brewing salts that are specifically formulated to enhance the water profile for brewing darker, malt-forward beers with a higher original gravity like doppelbocks, barleywines, and imperial stouts. It comes in a pre-measured, easy-to-use packet of brewing salts designed to help you achieve the ideal water profile for your specific beer style. The SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.090 OG variant is tailored for darker, malt-forward beers with an original gravity between 1.075 and 1.090. While the exact chemical composition of ACCUmash may vary depending on the target water profile, it typically contains a mix of the following brewing salts:

1. Calcium sulfate (gypsum): This salt increases calcium and sulfate levels in the water, which can help accentuate hop bitterness and improve yeast health.

2. Calcium chloride: This salt raises calcium and chloride levels, which can enhance malt sweetness and improve mouthfeel in malt-forward beers.

3. Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt): This salt contributes magnesium and sulfate ions, which can improve yeast health and fermentation performance, as well as accentuate hop bitterness.

4. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): This salt increases alkalinity and can help balance the acidity of darker malts, resulting in a smoother, more balanced beer.

5. Calcium carbonate (chalk): This salt raises calcium and alkalinity levels, which can help balance the acidity of darker malts and improve yeast health.

These brewing salts work together to create a balanced water profile that accentuates the desired characteristics of certain types of beers. For example, in the case of ACCUmash SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.090 OG, the blend of salts is designed to enhance the malt sweetness, mouthfeel of these beer styles and improve the overall quality of your finished beer. Additionally, a balanced water profile can also promote healthier yeast fermentation, resulting in a cleaner, more consistent final product.

How Do You Use ACCUmash Water Treatment? Simply follow these steps:

1. Start by measuring the volume of water you'll be using for your brew. ACCUmash is designed to treat 5 gallons (18.9 liters) of water, so adjust accordingly if you're brewing a different volume.

2. Heat your water to the desired strike or sparge temperature.

3. While stirring, slowly pour the contents of the ACCUmash packet into your water. Make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure the salts dissolve completely.

4. That's it! Your water is now ready for mashing or sparging.

Advantages of Incorporating ACCUmash into Your Brewing Process

There are several benefits to using ACCUmash:

1. Consistency: ACCUmash takes the guesswork out of water treatment, ensuring a consistent water profile for your specific beer style every time you brew.

2. Accessibility: Even if you don't have access to high-quality brewing water, ACCUmash can help you transform your tap water into the perfect brewing water for your desired beer style.

Is ACCUmash Necessary?

While ACCUmash can undoubtedly improve your brewing process and beer quality, it's not an absolute necessity. Many homebrewers have been crafting delicious beers for years without using water treatments. However, if you're looking to take your brewing game to the next level and achieve greater consistency and control over your final product, ACCUmash is an excellent addition to your brewing toolkit. It is important to note what can happen if you do incorporate this product when brewing these types of beers.

1. Flavor imbalance: Without the proper water profile, the balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness may be off, leading to a beer that is either too sweet or too bitter. This can result in a less enjoyable and less true-to-style final product.

2. Poor mouthfeel: The right balance of minerals in the water can enhance the mouthfeel of a beer, making it smoother and more enjoyable to drink. Without proper water treatment, the mouthfeel of your beer may be thin or lacking in body, which can detract from the overall experience.

3. Inefficient mash: The pH of your mash can significantly impact the efficiency of starch conversion to fermentable sugars. Without the proper water profile, the mash pH may be too high or too low, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially affecting the final gravity and alcohol content of your beer.

4. Yeast health and fermentation issues: Minerals like calcium and magnesium play essential roles in yeast health and fermentation performance. If your brewing water lacks these minerals, it can lead to sluggish or incomplete fermentation, resulting in off-flavors or a higher final gravity than desired.

5. Inconsistency between batches: If you do not adjust your water profile, the quality and characteristics of your beer may vary from batch to batch, depending on the natural variations in your water source. This can make it challenging to achieve a consistent final product.

While it is possible to brew good beer without adjusting your water profile, using a product like ACCUmash or other water treatment methods can help you achieve a more balanced, true-to-style, and consistent final product. By tailoring your water profile to the specific beer style you are brewing, you can enhance the overall quality and enjoyment of your homebrewed creations.

In summary, ACCUmash SRM >26, Malty, 1.075-1.090 OG Treatment is a fantastic tool if you’re looking to perfect your high-gravity, malt-forward beers. Its ease of use, consistency, and ability to improve beer quality make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to elevate their brewing game. ACCUmash is undoubtedly a valuable addition to your homebrewing arsenal. So, why not give it a try and see the difference it can make in your next batch of homebrew? Cheers!


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