Recent content by lonesome_oak

I had what may be a similar issue with my first two batches. It was a mix between metallic and solvent-like tastes. I think it was ultimately a combination of: 1) high mineral, chlorinated tap water (sounds like this isn't an issue) 2) fermentation temperature too high 3) overcarbonation Any...

I would give it a quick rinse and wipe down before throwing it in the kettle. I have read claims that lubricant is occasionally applied at certain points in the tubing creation process and that traces can remain on your chiller. I used soapy water when I got mine, but I'm definitely not an...

done!

I bought a starter kit back in September, and so far I agree with the pro-bucket crowd. I have two better bottles that sit unused for the most part. My fermenting bucket on the other hand has probably gone unused a grand total of 2-3 days since I purchased it. I did find it useful to have a...

For what it's worth, I've had mixed luck with hot alcohol tastes mellowing over time. My first batch (a hefe that fermented too warm) tasted pretty awful after three weeks in the bottle. Over the next month it developed into a really solid beer. That rubbing alcohol flavor actually diminished to...