Conditioning

[TimSandifer]

Hi. New brewer, first time posting.
On my 4th batch, 5 Gallon Single Hop IPA I bottled about 3/4 of the volume straight into bottles, mixed in dextrose, left to carbonate. The other 1/4 I ran out of bottles so I put it straight into a couple of stainless steel growlers with pop locks that I had.

There was a significant difference in taste. The volume that was in the stainless steel growler seems to be 10x better. By better I mean the notes were stronger, carbonated better, tasted a bit more complex, was about a shade darker in color, very fresh, just all around more enjoyable.

Suppose my question would be: is this typical? Should I be conditioning in these stainless steel growlers over just bottles?

Thanks.

 

[mredge73]

Welcome!

Is it possible that the bottled ones got skunky?
Light is detrimental to hops, IPAs have lots of hops.
Brown bottles block roughly 60% of light, SS blocks 100% of light.

This does't explain the carbonation discrepancy, but will affect the perceived freshness and taste.

 

[TimSandifer]

Welcome!

Is it possible that the bottled ones got skunky?
Light is detrimental to hops, IPAs have lots of hops.
Brown bottles block roughly 60% of light, SS blocks 100% of light.

This does't explain the carbonation discrepancy, but will affect the perceived freshness and taste.

Thought it might have something to do with the light. Noted for the future. Thanks!

 

[Vintage NY]

View media item 68955
Anyone have thoughts on using this type of stainless steel growler to condition in? I have a 2 liter, and they sell 4 liters.... seems pretty strong.

 

[mongoose33]

View media item 68955
Anyone have thoughts on using this type of stainless steel growler to condition in? I have a 2 liter, and they sell 4 liters.... seems pretty strong.

Linky no worky.

Stainless growlers, eh? You want bigger ones, eh? I have one word for you:

Kegs.