Is 90% of beer made up of water?
It is true that water makes up approximately 90% of the volume of beer. This may come as a surprise to some, as beer is often associated with the flavors and aromas of malt, hops, and yeast. However, water plays a crucial role in the brewing process and ultimately impacts the taste and quality of the final product.
Water serves as the primary solvent during brewing, extracting the flavors, sugars, and other compounds from the malted grains. It also acts as a medium for the hops to release their bitterness, aroma, and flavor. Additionally, water is essential for the growth and metabolism of yeast, which ferments the sugars in the beer, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The composition of water can vary depending on its source, such as tap water, well water, or spring water. Each source can have different levels of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfates, which can significantly influence the taste and character of the beer.
For example, water with high levels of calcium can enhance the clarity and stability of the beer, while water with high levels of sulfates can accentuate the hop bitterness. On the other hand, water with low mineral content, such as distilled or reverse osmosis water, provides a blank canvas for brewers to build their desired water profile using mineral additions.
Personal experience: I remember brewing a pale ale using tap water from my home, which had a relatively high mineral content. The resulting beer had a pronounced hop bitterness and a crisp finish, which I attributed to the water's characteristics. In contrast, when I brewed the same recipe using purified water, the beer had a softer, more delicate hop profile, highlighting the malt flavors instead.
To ensure consistency and control over the brewing process, many commercial breweries invest in water treatment systems or adjust their water profile using mineral additions. This allows them to replicate specific beer styles and achieve the desired flavor profiles.
While water may not be the most glamorous or talked-about ingredient in beer, it is undoubtedly the most abundant. Its composition and mineral content can significantly impact the taste, clarity, and overall quality of the final brew. As a brewer, understanding and manipulating water chemistry is crucial for creating exceptional beers that showcase the desired flavors and characteristics.