All extracts have a similar taste?

saltybp · 10-31-2010, 04:03 PM

Hi,

I have brewed up 4 extract with steeping grains recipes so far. (Stout, IPA, Red, and Wit). They are all different styles and tastes but they all seem to have a similar underlying taste. Its not a bad taste at all, I am happy with the beer, but I am wondering if it is a limitation of extract brewing. Am I being too picky? The red, IPA, and Wit are essentially the same color too. My next kit will be mini mash to see if there is a difference but I figured I would ask since that will not be for several months.

**Yooper** · 10-31-2010, 04:10 PM

Well, there are different types of extracts. Like Munich LME, extra-light DME, etc. But often batches with extract do taste very similar, if the extract isn't the extra light one with specialty grains.

Using more specialty grains helps, and a partial mash may help.

If you're using the same yeast, and fermenting at the same temperature, that could also be a culprit.

A couple of tips- one, add the majority of the extract at the end of the boil. That will help lighter colored beers, like the wit, not darken during the boil. Follow good recipes, with good fresh ingredients. If you're buying Brewer's Best kits, for example, try a new line from a vendor who specializes in quality kits. Or use one of our recipes here on the site, and buy the ingredients fresh. Make a yeast starter with liquid yeast, if you're using liquid yeast. Control fermentation temperatures, trying to keep most ales in the 65-68 degree range.

ScrewyBrewer · 11-01-2010, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltybp

Hi,

I have brewed up 4 extract with steeping grains recipes so far. (Stout, IPA, Red, and Wit). They are all different styles and tastes but they all seem to have a similar underlying taste. Its not a bad taste at all, I am happy with the beer, but I am wondering if it is a limitation of extract brewing. Am I being too picky? The red, IPA, and Wit are essentially the same color too. My next kit will be mini mash to see if there is a difference but I figured I would ask since that will not be for several months.

saltybp, If you've been using the same type of yeast and pitching it at the same temperatures, maybe that's what tastes the same. Hops, yeast, grains and water all influence the beer's taste in the end. Try experimenting with different yeast types at first then select one type of yeast and ferment with it at lower and higher temperatures.

malkore · 11-01-2010, 01:33 PM

I am starting to think that most of the 'all my extracts have the same flavor' stems from new brewers following less than stellar instructions (and sometimes old yeast)...and what you're tasting is the twang of acetylaldehyde.

Less than optimal yeast health, pitching and fermentation, coupled with racking off the yeast cake too early, can lead to a variety of off flavors that include cidery/green apple flavor.
So I would say 1: avoid really cheap yeast, like Munton's or coopers. 2: pitch PLENTY of yeast...use www.mrmalty.com calcuators and 3: ferment at the optimal range, and don't pitch the yeast too warm.

ideally rehydrate the yeast or make a starter for liquid strains.

**CrookedTail** · 11-01-2010, 05:39 PM

My first few batches all tasted similar as well. I've been able to eliminate the issue, however. There's a few things you need to do:

1) Brew your beers only with extra light extract (or wheat extract for wheat beers), and use specialty grains or a partial mash to build your beer's flavor profile. Your extract should serve strictly as your base, and nothing else. Stay away from amber and dark extracts.

2) Play with different yeast strains. If you're using the same yeast strain for all of your beers, that could be the reason why they taste similar.

3) Ferment at cooler temperatures. Ale yeasts will give your beers strange flavors at higher temperatures. Try to ferment your beers in the low to mid 60's.

4) Cool your wort as quickly as you possibly can. My beers improved pretty dramatically once I started paying more attention to this item.

floyd242 · 11-01-2010, 05:57 PM

My "all my beer tastes the same" problem was fermentation temperature.

mychalg9 · 11-01-2010, 06:47 PM

I also noticed similar tastes on my first two brews. I figured it was from the syrup. Fermentation temps may have been to blame as well, although they seemed to be within the acceptable range. I learned to add the syrup late in the boil after I had done both of them, so didn't get to try it out. I did my first AG this past weekend, so I'll be able to compare the finished product to see if I can eliminate any factors.

Righlander · 11-01-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floyd242

My "all my beer tastes the same" problem was fermentation temperature.

same here. i used to let it ferment at room temp and they all had this weird fruity thing going on. esters. dramatic difference with temp control.

saltybp · 11-02-2010, 03:27 AM

They are all AHS kits with the recommended liquid yeast. I follow the direction to a T and have consistantly hit the exact starting and finishing gravities...something I read was hard to do with extrat. I have never added the extract at the end. My next will be mini mash and I will try adding the extract late.

**Yooper** · 11-02-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saltybp

They are all AHS kits with the recommended liquid yeast. I follow the direction to a T and have consistantly hit the exact starting and finishing gravities...something I read was hard to do with extrat. I have never added the extract at the end. My next will be mini mash and I will try adding the extract late.

AHS has great recipes, so I guess it's not the kit itself!

How about water? Are you using tap water? If so, maybe try bottled water for the next batch and see if that fixes the problem.