Calcium Sulphate - Gypsum

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Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) is an important mineral for its effect on mash and wort pH. Used to harden water when brewing ales and bitters. Use as required depending on water hardness. Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate) adds permanent hardness (calcium ions) to brewing water; 1 gram per US gallon adds 62 ppm calcium, 147 ppm sulfate. Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) is used to "harden" the process water or as a direct additive to the malt mash or kettle wort. The benefit comes from the Calcium ion. More on Calcium Sulphate or Gypsum: Calcium Sulphate is a critical component in the measurement of permanent water hardness (also known as non-carbonate hardness). This part of water hardness is defined by the sum of all calcium and magnesium ions that are associated with anions such as chloride or sulfate. It is referred to as permanent hardness because of the fact that it will not precipitate under the influence of heat. Therefore, calcium sulfate is also one of the primary salts used for the improvement of calcium levels in beer. Proper calcium levels in beer can provide the following influences that are generally considered to be positive: they lower the pH, preserve mash enzymes, increase extract yield, improve yeast growth and flocculation, accelerate oxalate removal, and reduce color.

The sulfate ion in this compound is generally thought to promote a drier, more bitter beer. Burton-on-Trent, England is the classic source of water with a high calcium sulfate content, caused by the region’s large gypsum deposits. The emulation of this classic water has led to the term “Burtonization,” meaning to improve one’s brewing water via the addition of calcium sulfate. This water treatment is common for the production of pale ales and India pale ales.

Pack Sizes:

100g Reseal Foil Pouch
450g Plastic Jar (SAVE 55% OFF 100g Price)

Sauces of Brewspiration & Further Reading & References:

Bernstein, Leo, and Willox, I. C. “Water.” In The practical brewer, ed. Harold M. Broderick, 13–20. Madison, WI: Master Brewers Association of the Americas, 1977.

Haggerty, John Calcium Sulphate Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine

Kerwin, Larry. “Water.” In MBAA practical handbook for the specialty brewer, volume 1: Raw materials and brewhouse operations, ed.

Karl Ockert, 7–12. Madison, WI: Master Brewers Association of the Americas, 2006.

Palmer, John How to Brew - Using salts for brewing water adjustment

Kunze, Wolfgang. “Raw materials.” In Technology brewing and malting, 2nd ed., 69–73. Berlin: VLB Berlin, 1999.