Beer Smells sour but tastes fine?

[CarnellSitka]

I brewed a 3 gal pale ale, maris otter, and crystal, cascade hops... pretty standard. It was brewed approx 18-20 days ago. AS far as i can tell it tastes fine but has a sour smell, it seems like it attracts a few fruit flies to but that maybe from past spills.

Is this a infection? does it matter. I've encountered infections before and they were always more visible than a simple sour-ish smell.

 

[CarnellSitka]

anyone have any ideas?

 

[Warthaug]

You may have a minor lactobacillus contamination.

 

[judsonp]

Could be a minor infection. Note that beer all by itself will attract fruit flies. They love the smell of alcohol, since they're attracted to rotting fruit, which also smells of alcohol.

 

[CarnellSitka]

You may have a minor lactobacillus contamination.

but i am assuming that if it tastes fine drink it? On my other tap i have a major infection that i let sit for 8 months... i Call it fail ale.

 

[Warthaug]

If it tastes good (r even 'just OK') drink it down. Very few harmful things can grow in wort, and the few that do make unpalatable "vomit/faeces" beer. And yes, those are accurate descriptions of how the beer will smell...

Bryan