• Brewco Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) 100g – main product photo
  • Brewco Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) 100g key facts: contains 100g calcium sulphate, for pale ales, bitters and IPAs, add to the mash before mashing in
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Brewco Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) 100g

Brewco Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) 100g

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Brewco Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum) is a brewing water salt that adds calcium and sulphate to soft or low-mineral water. Sulphate gives hop bitterness a drier, crisper edge, which is why brewers reach for it in pale ales, bitters and IPAs.

Key features

  • Raises sulphate for a sharper, cleaner hop finish
  • Raises calcium to support mash pH and yeast health
  • The classic salt for Burton-style hard water
  • Also a useful aid in sherry-style fermentations

Specs

  • Contents: calcium sulphate (gypsum), 100g
  • Typical addition: around 1-2g per 23 litres of brewing water

How to use

Stir into your brewing water before mashing - see the How to Use box for more detail.

Who it's for

All-grain and extract brewers with soft water who want hoppier beers to taste crisp rather than flabby. Check your water first with Water Hardness Test Strips, and balance it with Brewco Calcium Chloride Flakes for maltier styles.

Calcium Sulphate (Gypsum)
How to Use
Dose
About 1 tsp per 23L
4-5g - check your water
1g in 23L adds
10ppm Ca, 24ppm SO4
When
In the mash

Used for: Hardens brewing water for pale ales, bitters and IPAs - calcium for the mash and yeast, sulphate for a drier, crisper hop bitterness.

When: Into the mash (with the grist or strike water) before mashing in. Not in the hot liquor tank.

Step by step
1Check your water report or use a brewing-water calculator.
2Weigh the gypsum - each 1g in 23 litres adds about 10ppm calcium and 24ppm sulphate.
3Stir into the strike water or sprinkle over the grist at mash-in.
4For big additions, keep about a third back for the sparge.
5Check the mash pH (aim for 5.2-5.5).
Good to know: Too much sulphate makes bitterness harsh - go easy on lagers and malty beers. It dissolves slowly, so add it to the mash rather than the end of the boil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gypsum for 23 litres?

About 1 level teaspoon (4-5g) is a common simple dose. Each gram adds about 10ppm calcium and 24ppm sulphate to 23 litres.

Which beers benefit?

Hoppy pale ales, bitters and IPAs, where you want a crisp, dry bitterness.

Can I add it to the boil?

The mash is best - that's where the calcium helps pH and enzymes, and it dissolves slowly.

Is it the same as Burton water salts?

Gypsum is the main part of Burton salts, which usually also contain Epsom salts.