Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom) 500g

Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt) is an essential brewing water treatment used to adjust water chemistry and improve the balance of specific beer styles. By increasing both magnesium and sulfate levels, it helps brewers fine-tune their brewing water to achieve desired flavour profiles, improve yeast health, and enhance hop character.

Water chemistry plays a significant role in the flavour, mouthfeel, and overall quality of finished beer. Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt) is commonly used by brewers looking to increase sulfate levels, which can accentuate hop bitterness and create a cleaner, drier finish in hop-forward styles such as Pale Ales, IPAs, and other highly hopped beers.

Magnesium is also an important nutrient for healthy yeast growth and fermentation. When used in appropriate quantities, magnesium helps support yeast metabolism and contributes to a healthy fermentation process. Most brewers aim for magnesium levels between 10–30mg/L, which provides adequate nutrition without introducing undesirable flavour characteristics.

The sulfate component of Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt) helps enhance hop expression by creating a sharper, crisper bitterness. This makes it a valuable tool when brewing styles where hop character is a key feature. However, like all water adjustments, it should be used carefully, as excessive sulfate levels can create an overly harsh or astringent finish.

In addition to increasing magnesium and sulfate levels, Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt) may contribute to a slight reduction in mash pH, although its effect is generally less significant than calcium-based brewing salts such as gypsum.

Whether you’re building a custom water profile from scratch or adjusting local tap water to match classic brewing regions, Magnesium Sulphate remains one of the most commonly used brewing salts for water chemistry management.

Key Features

• Increases magnesium levels in brewing water
• Increases sulfate levels for enhanced hop character
• Supports healthy yeast performance
• Helps create a crisp, dry finish
• Useful for water profile adjustments
• Popular for Pale Ales and IPAs
• May slightly reduce mash pH
• Easy to use in small quantities
• Suitable for all-grain and extract brewing

Benefits for Brewers

Supports Yeast Health

• Provides an important yeast nutrient
• Encourages healthy fermentation
• Supports yeast metabolism and growth

Enhances Hop Character

• Accentuates hop bitterness
• Creates a sharper flavour profile
• Improves perceived dryness

Water Profile Adjustment

• Helps replicate classic brewing water profiles
• Useful for custom water chemistry targets
• Works alongside other brewing salts

Ideal Beer Styles

• American IPA
• New England IPA
• West Coast IPA
• Pale Ale
• India Pale Lager
• American Amber Ale
• Hoppy Blonde Ale
• Double IPA

Water Chemistry Information

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium contributes to water hardness and plays an important role as a yeast nutrient.

Recommended levels:

• 10–30mg/L for most brewing applications

Higher levels may contribute:

• Dryness
• Astringency
• Sour or bitter flavours

Sulfate (SO₄)

Sulfate helps accentuate hop bitterness and contributes to a crisp, dry finish.

Typical sulfate ranges:

• 10–50mg/L for Pilsners and Light Beers
• 30–70mg/L for most Ales
• 100–130mg/L for Vienna and Dortmunder styles
• Up to 500mg/L in some Burton-style Pale Ales

Adjusting Brewing Water

Different beer styles benefit from different water profiles. Brewers often adjust water chemistry by using brewing salts such as:

• Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt)
• Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate)
• Calcium Chloride
• Baking Soda
• Chalk
• Table Salt

For best results, use a brewing water calculator or water profile software to accurately match your desired brewing water profile.

Product Information

Product Type:
Brewing Water Treatment

Also Known As:
Epsom Salt

Primary Ions Added:
Magnesium (Mg) and Sulfate (SO₄)

Suitable For:
Beer Brewing, Water Chemistry Adjustment, Yeast Nutrition, Hop-Forward Beer Styles