Bottled water sterilising

[Scotty]

Just had a thought....

I buy the Asda/Tesco cheap 2ltr still water for the bottles and also use the water in my brews.

But I was thinking, if I were to use the water to make a brew and use the empty bottles straight away for refilling, would I need to sterilise?

[boingy]

You would probably get away with it but I would also sanitise. It doesn't take long to do

[Scotty]

thanks guys,

It was just a thought, but 10 2ltr bottles don't take long to clean.

On the bottled water note, is it wise to use it for brewing without treatment?

[Aleman]

It is too low in calcium to use as is, but a tsp of gypsum or calcium chloride in the grist sorts that out

[Scotty]

what effect will not a lot of calcium have on the overall effect of the beer?

[Aleman]

Low calcium affect the stability of Beta Amylase leading to a sweeter beer, It can affect wort viscosity causing slow run off from the mash tun, a lack of calcium in the boil can lead to a poor hot break, leading to a lack of clarity and stability in the beer. lower hop utilisation, leading to lower bitterness than expected. In the fermenter a lack of calcium leads to poor yeast fermentation and poor floccing . . . leading to a yeast haze

Little to be lost for the sake of adding a teaspoon of gypsum/calcium chloride in the mash IMO

[WishboneBrewery]

So does adding Calcium Chloride (Salt) to your brew, I understand its just a source of Calcium, Beneficial to the Flavour?

[WishboneBrewery]

I'd never thought of it as something that would be added to a drink.
cheers.

[yashicamat]

So does adding Calcium Chloride (Salt) to your brew, I understand its just a source of Calcium, Beneficial to the Flavour?

You're not confusing sodium chloride (common table salt) with calcium chloride, are you?