Where's the Grapefruit Taste/Smell coming from?

d_ozz68 · 11-24-2010, 12:04 AM

Here are the particulars......

10 pounds Pilsner
1 pounds Vienna Malt
8 oz Munich Malt
8 oz. Carafoam

1.5 oz. Tettnang @ 75 min.

1 pkg WLP-029 yeast

60 minute mash @ 149 degrees
90 minute boil
16 days in primary @ 64 degrees
Cold crashed with gelatin 8 days
Kegged and set it and forgot it @ 9psi

Now the big question, when I took the gravity reading after 10 days in the primary it had a VERY strong Grapefruit smell and taste...when I kegged it, a week later, the smell and taste was still VERY strong and now that it has been on the gas for a week I just pulled my first pint and it still has a very strong Grapefruit smell and taste.

This is the first time that I used this Tettnang and the WLP-029, could either of these be the cause?? Or could it be an infection?

Thanks for any input.

Skyforger · 11-24-2010, 01:01 AM

It doesn't necessarily sound like an infection to me, though it's not impossible. It sounds more like a combination of the yeast and the beer just being a little green. Kolsch beers have a bit of a citric and acidic profile; combined with the harsh 'green' flavors, I suppose it might taste a bit like grapefruit. I would wait a while to see if it dissipates; one week on gas isn't very long.

d_ozz68 · 11-24-2010, 07:57 PM

Thanks Skyforger........Like I mentioned, I have never used this yeast before so I was quite surprised by the heavy Grapefruit smell/taste. I have tried most (all) of my beers when they have still been a little "green" and none of them have tasted like this one, so I guess for now I will chalk it up to the yeast and wait a couple more weeks to see if it gets any better........If anyone else has any other input/comments I'm all ears.

Thanks again Skyforger!

**Shooter** · 11-24-2010, 08:17 PM

Simcoe hops?

**AnOldUR** · 11-24-2010, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter

Simcoe hops?

That was my thought also. Who did you buy the hops from? Where they repackaged from a larger lot by the store?
Could be a mix up.

edit:
I've gotten apple from Kolsch yeast, but not grapefruit.

d_ozz68 · 11-24-2010, 08:49 PM

I purchased the hops from my LHBS.....packaged directly from Crosby & Baker.