Can I use aluminum in homebrewing?
Aluminum is softer than many other metals and can be damaged by caustic cleaners. It is not used in commercial breweries for these reasons. However, aluminum is light and inexpensive and is used very successfully by many homebrewers who understand how to use and clean it. The supposed connection between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease was based on a study done in the late 1970s that since has been discounted by the vast majority of scientists. There is a small but very vocal minority who insist that this has not been categorically disproved. If you are among this group, by all means brew with materials you trust.
