The pH of the water doesn't really matter as the HCO3 and phosphates in the grist create all sorts of buffers so there's really no relation between water pH and mash pH.
7.8 at source, 8.2 after aeration... Acidity to pH 8.3 (as CO3) was 1 g/m3
Last ale (Blonde Joke) was done using North Canterbury water which I have no idea what the make up is... it got a little lactic and a little CaCl2 anyway...
My pH meter has died, so I'll have to put in the usual requisition form with the Minister of Finance for another soon!
With your advise in regards to fermenter finings made all the difference in the Blonde Joke Joe.
I had it too - I wanted to complete the etire process at 20 degrees - including conditioning... in the end I had to crash cool it to drop it down. I waited a whole week after the FG was stable. Funny thing was - is when I stirred the yeast into the beer, it would go apeshit - through the airlock and all... even though there was no food for it!
As I said, arse of a day.... My inventory said I had a pack of imported hallertau, which I didn't, but I had 10 grams of NZ in a bag... and topped up with some Riwaka at flame out as it is probably my favourite NZ hop at the moment after making of the Blonde Ale.
I have a bit of a fussy head this morning after my brother in law and I hit the Blonde Joke.... man that is too easy to drink.... grain to gut in three weeks...
Best Bitter
Maris Otter, munich, crystal, dark crystal, Martin Bridges' home toasted 'victory'. OG 1.042
Mix of NZ goldings, DSaaz, NZ cascade to 34 IBU.
S04