







Many homebrewers use the program Beersmith to create their recipes for each brew day. Here at Schoolhouse Brewing, we are no different. Beersmith is a fantastic tool for all levels of brewing. The number of tools that the team at Beersmith has created is impressive but can be overwhelming at the same time. Justin and I get the question many times a week about how we calculate water profiles. The answer is Beersmith 3! In this quick tutorial, we are going to teach you the skills needed to take your brewing to the next level!









Step One: Get Your Water Tested

Like any good experiment, you need a control variable. And, in this trial, it is what is already in your water. The easiest way to check your water is to send it off to Wards Laboratories. For about 25 dollars, they will send you everything you need to get your water tested in approximately 1-2 weeks. Click here for a link to Wards Labs and a copy of what our water looks like at Schoolhouse Brewing.





Step Two: Set Up Beersmith 3

At the top of the menu bar, click Insert->Add Water and this box will pop up









Name your Profile

Enter in all info from your Wards test

Note: your city might have some free info but, it is not specific to your location where you brew. Spend the Money! It is worth it.





Step Three: Beersmith Add-ons

At the top, in the submenu, you will see a puzzle piece that says add-on

Click the puzzle piece

Add-ons are a great resource for equipment, ingredients, and the choice of 30 water profiles.









Step four: Adding the Salts

Create a recipe as you always do

Click the water tab









Click Add Water -> Choose the water profile you create









Click Match Water Profile









Choose the profile you want based on your style I like the (Amber, Black, and Yellow) for starting

The salts have now been added to your recipe.

You will also know when to add them

Step 5: Bonus (pH adjustment)

To the right of water is a Mash Tab - click it









At the bottom right you will see the adjusted pH (if it is red you need to add acid)

Click the button - add acid









Choose Lactic Acid (you will need to play around with amounts I suggest starting with 5ml)









Press add, and there you have it in the recipe



