Water

Brewing Consistency

Water is used in each step of the brewing process and composes about 95% of beer, so consistency is critical.

Beer is a simple combination of water, grains, hops and yeast. Yet these ingredients offer an ever-growing list of varietals. Brewers also improvise with methods, timing and temperatures. The combinations are endless and popular, shown by Holland’s thriving craft beer scene and mass of homebrewers.

Kirk Walter is a Holland resident and member of Brewers on the Lake. The group of about thirty brewers, meet monthly to sample, learn and connect. Kirk started six years ago on his kitchen stove with an extract kit and bottles, and quickly brewing turned into a full-blown hobby. He since has transitioned into kegs, producing about 20 kegs a year.

Water is used in each step of the brewing process and composes about 95% of beer. Each keg of beer starts with eight gallons of water. Kirk conserves water throughout the process by utilizing the water from the heating coil for the first round of utensil sanitation.

Home brewing offers an opportunity to experiment with flavors and combinations. Brewers can tailor a beer for their taste palette. Consistency is vital when it comes to reproducing a formula of beer. “The water here is very consistent,” Kirk said, “It’s great to know that if I really enjoy a beer, I can replicate that beer throughout the year.”