General hardness (GH)
Term from the Brauwerkstatt brewing glossary, category “Brewing water and pH”.
Explanation
Calcium and magnesium in the water. Gypsum and calcium chloride raise it, while alkalinity stays the same.
Work it out yourself
Brewing water calculator – Adjust your tap water to the beer style: the calculator tells you how much calcium chloride, gypsum and lactic acid you need.
Frequently asked questions
Do gypsum and calcium chloride raise alkalinity?
No. The salts add calcium, sulphate and chloride, but no bicarbonate. Alkalinity stays the same; general hardness rises. In the mash, the calcium does lower residual alkalinity.