Episode 138 - Regional Water Profiles

In this episode of The Hop Addition Podcast, we dive back into the wonderfully murky world of water chemistry — this time exploring the famous regional water profiles that shaped some of the world’s most iconic beer styles.From the ultra-soft water of Pilsen to the sulfate-heavy wells of Burton-on-Trent, we explore how geology influenced brewing history, flavour, process, and style evolution across Europe and the British Isles.Expect a deep dive into:💧 Sulfate vs chloride — the “hops vs malt” balancing act🪨 Why water is basically “liquid geology”🍺 How Dublin created stout, Burton created IPA, and Pilsen created pilsner⚗️ Mash pH, alkalinity, hardness & mineral additions🧪 Whether replicating historic water profiles is actually worth it for modern brewersWe also tackle the practical side of water treatment for homebrewers, including RO water, Burtonisation, Campden tablets, and the modern philosophy of “designing water for the beer” rather than chasing historic city profiles.Huge thanks to our partner The Malt Miller, your go-to for all things homebrew. Don’t forget to check out the Hop Addition recipe section while you’re there.💬 Do you build your water from scratch or keep it simple? Let us know your approach on socials and join the discussion.