Calcium Chloride

CaCl2·2H2O

The addition of Calcium Chloride to the mash will drop mash pH and add Ca2+ ions and Cl- ions to the water.

Calcium ions in solution contribute to permanent water hardness, assist in the growth of yeast during the lag phase and help to precipitate proteins during the hot break.

Chloride ions in solution will assist in providing body and mouthfeel to beers and influences the sulphate:chloride ratio. Adding Cl- ions to mash water will alter the ratio in mash water which will impact the perceived flavour of the beer. Lower ratios such as 1:2 or 1:3 will highlight malt flavours in beer while higher ratios such as 2:1 or 3:1 will highlight hop bitterness and flavour.