The process of adding brewing salts, primarily calcium sulfate (gypsum), to the incoming brewing water. This chemical adjustment lowers the mash pH and hardens the water profile, recreating the natural well water conditions found in the historic English brewing town of Burton upon Trent. The high sulfate concentration enhances the extraction of hop oils and sharpens the perception of hop bitterness in pale ales and IPAs.
Heard on the job
We need to Burtonize the liquor for this IPA recipe, so weigh out the gypsum and add it directly to the hot liquor tank.