Water is by far the main ingredient in beer. Not only does it usually represent more than 90% of the finalbeverage, but it also plays a key role in cleaning and rinsing throughout the chain, from the malting of the grain to the packaging, and, as if that were not enough, the quality of the water affects directly to the process and the final product.Several of the styles we know today were determined by characteristics of the water available to brewmasters in their locality and time (i.e. Pilsner, Munich, Vienna Lagers, Porters). It is no coincidence that routine physicochemical, microbiological and organoleptic analyzes are carried out in breweries to adjust control variables and that there are initiatives to minimize consumption and generate the least possible economic and environmental impact.
From the homebrewer to the industry, including craft brewers, caring for water, both in quality and quantity, is paramount on a day-to-day basis, for the precious brew and for the planet. It’s very simple, without water there is no beer.
Some articles that may interest you:
The importance of water: https://www.un.org/es/observances/water-day/
Groundwater: A natural treasure under our feet: https://www.fundacionaquae.org/wiki/valor-agua-dia-mundial/
Water adjustments for brewing: https://www.thebeertimes.com/agua-adjustments-for-cerveza-brewing/
The thirsty business of beer: How breweries are confronting the industry’s water problem: https://www.growlermag.com/the-thirsty-business-of-beer-how-breweries-are-confronting-the-industrys-water-problem /#:~:text=Beer%20is%2090%2D%20to%2D%2095,high%20as%2010%20to%20one.
Water is the Most Crucial, Most Overlooked Beer Ingredient: https://www.winemag.com/2020/04/21/best-water-brew-beer/
