Phenols in the starter???

[johnnyboy]

So I have recently (and most unfortunately) had to dump two batches due to ?wild yeast? infection. The first clue was a really bad burnt plastic/band-aid off-flavor after a couple weeks in bottles. It happened in one batch, skipped another batch, and then showed up again in the most recent one. So I have taken sanitization to new heights, and nixed a slightly scratched primary, vinyl hose, etc. I am literally just about to start steeping grains, and I checked out my starter (WLP500) for this begian dubbel extract. After about 24 hours, it seems to have this same burnt plastic odor... I have never used this yeast before, so I'm not sure if this is a normal aroma and my mind is playing tricks on me. Anyone have any insights on this belgian yeast?

 

[Brewman79]

Never used that yeast before.But the band aid flavor is most common from using bleach as a sanitizer.What did you use as a sanitizing agent?

 

[johnnyboy]

I used Starsan. I just did a search (yes after I posted) and found another thread with the exact same scenario. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/starter-question-infection-208506/

Apparently the answer is starters can smell weird. Steeping now and trying my best to RDWHAHB.

 

[Brewman79]

Correct.Once i made a starter from White labs WLP 004 Irish ale yeast.Smelled like lager yeast(Farts),that only happened that once and my beer was fine.