I've recently started having problems in my brewing and I'm looking for some ideas. As you all know a lot of time and effort goes into crafting a batch of home brew. So to have it not turn out is very frustrating.
I've been brewing for 5 years with the last 2 being BIAB. Up to this point the BIAB batches have been really good until the last three. In each of these batches I've started to notice a hint of off flavors. I'm having a hard time placing the taste but I think it's closest to a trub like taste. My last batch again had the trub like flavors but to go along with that had a very strong metallic aroma.
I use a Speidel fermentor with the chrome spigot. After some google searches I learned that these spigots can have the chrome wear off over time. So I checked my spigot and sure enough on the inside there is a dark brassy colored spot. I then decided to clean my pot with some bar keepers friend since it was pretty dingy. It came out nice and clean but I'm now picking up a slight metallic odor from the pot. It's stainless but I'm not sure what grade. The odd thing too is the bottom of the pot that touches the burner has some rust spots on it. But there is no rust on the inside. It wasn't an expensive pot by any means and not specifically for brewing. Bought at a kitchen supply store for about $80.
So to try and remedy my problems on my next batch I'm going to skip the chrome spigot and instead use a plastic one. Use bottled water instead of tap water. And I'm only going to let the wort sit in the primary for as long as it takes to get to final gravity. I was previously letting it ferment for three weeks. I'm thinking this might be the source of the trub off flavor with the water possibly contributing as well.
As for the metallic aroma. Is my pot shot? Should I look to get a new one or is there a way to remedy this? Plus I'm still not 100% sure if it's the pot or spigot that's giving the metal odor.
Any feedback or comments will be much appreciated.
Thanks
I've been brewing for 5 years with the last 2 being BIAB. Up to this point the BIAB batches have been really good until the last three. In each of these batches I've started to notice a hint of off flavors. I'm having a hard time placing the taste but I think it's closest to a trub like taste. My last batch again had the trub like flavors but to go along with that had a very strong metallic aroma.
I use a Speidel fermentor with the chrome spigot. After some google searches I learned that these spigots can have the chrome wear off over time. So I checked my spigot and sure enough on the inside there is a dark brassy colored spot. I then decided to clean my pot with some bar keepers friend since it was pretty dingy. It came out nice and clean but I'm now picking up a slight metallic odor from the pot. It's stainless but I'm not sure what grade. The odd thing too is the bottom of the pot that touches the burner has some rust spots on it. But there is no rust on the inside. It wasn't an expensive pot by any means and not specifically for brewing. Bought at a kitchen supply store for about $80.
So to try and remedy my problems on my next batch I'm going to skip the chrome spigot and instead use a plastic one. Use bottled water instead of tap water. And I'm only going to let the wort sit in the primary for as long as it takes to get to final gravity. I was previously letting it ferment for three weeks. I'm thinking this might be the source of the trub off flavor with the water possibly contributing as well.
As for the metallic aroma. Is my pot shot? Should I look to get a new one or is there a way to remedy this? Plus I'm still not 100% sure if it's the pot or spigot that's giving the metal odor.
Any feedback or comments will be much appreciated.
Thanks