Sodium can round out beer flavor, accentuating the sweetness of malt, especially in association with chloride ions. Low sodium will create a cleaner flavor while high levels may taste harsh and excessively sour.

Common Values for Sodium

  Barley Malted Barley Wort US Tapwater Pilsen Water Burton-on-Trent Water Brewing Targets Levels in Beer
Sodium 26 - 84 117 1 - 40 38 2 - 3 25 - 54 0 - 150 20 - 350

 

Sodium levels at various malthouses