Is it a Belgian smell!?

[Saint Arnould]

Hey all...I put my first Belgian style into the fermenter Friday night. It took a while, but started bubbling last night. I took a sniff on the airlock, and there was an odd smell. Maybe I would describe it as slightly metallic? I don't think it is a sign of anything wrong. The session went well, except maybe the boil wasn't as full as I have had in the past. I used all Styrian goldings hops. I used Belgian Abbey II. Any thoughts? I sure hope it isn't an off-flavour developing.....

 

[bradsul]

My belgians always smell quite a bit different than my regular ales. Give it a taste when you do your first sample, unless it tastes really funky I'd just see it through.

 

[Catfish]

Banana, yes, metalic, no. Most of the Belgian yeasts I've used put out a lot of banana during fermentation. What temperature is it at? Anything new in your process?

 

[Saint Arnould]

I'll have to check temp tonight.....I think I am holding in the low 70's. I don't mind it being estery. The smell is gone now....taken over by a solid aroma from the 1.5 oz of Styrian Goldings added with 15 min left in the boil! This should be a unique brew...

 

[DeathBrewer]

belgian yeasts gives off all sorts of weird fruity aromas while fermenting. i wouldn't worry about it...just let it sit and taste when you transfer

 

[Madtown Brew]

Yeah, belgian yeasts do put out a strong banana/fruity smell during fermentation. But, they definately smell different than any other ale yeasts, weizens included. The finished product will likely smell different too, at least mine did.
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