Which Is the Least Acidic Beer?
It can be tough as a brewer to figure out how to strike the right balance among all the many qualities of beer for your loyal customers. Among those qualities is the issue of acid. Many people around the world suffer from varying levels of indigestion and other health issues that relate to too much acid in the stomach. The last thing you want to do as a brewer then is add insult to the injury. Instead, you can help by understanding which is the least acidic beer and mimicking those qualities in your own brew.
For (even) more on beer acidity, check out these articles:
Why pH Matters
For those who don’t remember this from secondary school, the pH scale is a measurement we use in chemistry to factor how high or low in acid a particular solution is. We can also describe this as the chemical conditions of a solution.
The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being completely neutral. As the scale moves from 7 to 0, it gets more acidic, with a lower pH, and as the scale moves upwards from 7 to 14, it gets more alkaline, baser, with a higher pH.
So, we say acid versus base.
What we are really talking about is a balance of potential hydrogen.
The pH of a solution can affect its biological activity, the nutrients, the biological functions, and the microbial activity.
Acid in the Body
The human body is constantly striving for homestasis, or a functioning system that keeps us in optimal health.
To that end, in homeostasis, our pH falls between 7.35 and 7.45.
However, in the presence of pathological states, conditions like indigestion, GERD, or other digestion conditions, our pH can get thrown off.
If lungs or kidneys are malfunctioning, the human pH level can end up off balance, sending us into acidosis or alkalosis, which often require medical intervention.
For less serious conditions, many medical professionals and nutritionists recommend an alkaline diet, which means a diet low in acid.
Alkaline Diet
Even in the absence of medical advice, many people with acid reflux, heartburn, or other digestive problems have begun to turn to an alkaline diet.
This approach to nutrition and health includes getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night, drinking plenty of water, and exercising for at least 30 minutes each day.
All of these changes in lifestyle can help aid in digestive problems that cause discomfort or even severe pains.
Additionally, high alkaline foods are encouraged as it is believed these foods can help offset acid in your body.
These foods include (certain) fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
The alkaline diet also restricts or prohibits meat, dairy, fish, eggs, grains, and alcohol.
Alcohol?!
Acid in Beer
Yes, alcohol is high in acid by nature.
The fermentation process inherently creates a higher acid level, but grains are also naturally higher in acid, so beer would certainly fit the bill for an acid food or beverage.
The average pH of beer is between 4.1 and 4.5, which is pretty acidic.
Indeed, many people with digestive issues like heart burn and indigestion complain that beer only makes it worse, and they often have to give up their beloved beer altogether simply to not experience these health issues.
As a brewer, this is not great news, but you can try to help your fellow beer lovers out by creating a beer that is at the very least lower in acid, higher on the pH scale.
You can raise the pH of your beer by lowering the pH of your mash through the addition of calcium carbonate, which will offset acid.
Furthermore, the darker the malt, the lower the mash pH as dark malts are naturally acidic.
In general, porters and stouts are lower in pH, higher in acid, hovering between 3.5 and 4.3, while blonde, brown, and pale ales are all much higher on the pH scale and lower in acid, ranging from 5.1 to 5.5, with Indian pale ales as the highest.
So, if you’re looking to please your alkaline diet customers, aim to brew a high pH IPA.
Least Acidic Beers
To get you started, check out this list of least acid beers you can draw on for inspiration.
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
A wildly popular beer, this barley lager is ideal for avoiding indigestion. Made with German Noble hops, Sam Adams will give you hints of honey and caramel with a bit of citrus and 5% ABV.
Sierra Nevada Barrel-Aged Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale
If you’re looking for a higher alcohol beer that is still rather low in acid, this may be a good choice. Barleywine is beer aged for high quality flavor and aroma and this one is no exception. Around since 1983, Bigfoot Barleywine has been beloved for its low acid, intense flavor reminiscent of wine. It also packs a 9.6 ABV.
Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Pivo Pilsner
Pilsners are great for low acid, and this one is no exception. Coming in at 5.3% ABV, Firestone is hoppy and floral while still tasting strongly of beer.
Pilsner Urquell
One of the best known beers for being easy on the acid reflux, Pilsner Urquell is made with pilsner-style malts and has been around since 1842. It tastes of caramel, lemon, and bread, and is also low in alcohol, at 4.5%, so you can enjoy a couple of these brews and still keep your wits about you.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with a low acid beer, whether indigestion is a problem or not. It can be much more mellow on the stomachs of your customers, and it can’t hurt to have a low acid beer on your menu.
Cheers!
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Sources:
- https://draftmag.com/best-beer-for-acid-reflux/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet/comprehensive-review-alkaline-diet-what-it-how-it-works-what-eat/
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