I brewed a Scottish 80 (w/ US-05) back in October, bottled in early Nov. The beer was good up until a few days ago.
Cracked one two nights ago and pure apple cider taste (6 weeks post bottling). I thought my palate was messed up as I was drinking other styles, so I have had a few more each of the last two nights and they each have had a slight apple scent and a moderate cider taste.
I have had no bottle bombs, no visible signs of infection, but infection is the only thing I can say that accounts for the change in flavor. A few friends that liked the beer 2 weeks ago were shocked when I gave them it today. The only thing I can say is I did detect a slight smokey flavor about 2 weeks ago (which I was excited about but knew S-05 doesn't do that). What could cause this?
My sanitation practices are pretty OCD, EVERYTHING is Star-San'd. I siphon 5 gallons of it into primary before I use it, and then into the bottling bucket as well. From the bottling bucket I use the racking cane to fill each bottle 1/2 way with Star-San and shake them up. I then pour 12 of them out and fill 12 (capping immediately). The only thing I can possibly think of is I do an ice-bath in the basement (which takes about 15-25min) with the kettle uncovered before pitching.
Any ideas on where to begin troubleshooting this?
Cracked one two nights ago and pure apple cider taste (6 weeks post bottling). I thought my palate was messed up as I was drinking other styles, so I have had a few more each of the last two nights and they each have had a slight apple scent and a moderate cider taste.
I have had no bottle bombs, no visible signs of infection, but infection is the only thing I can say that accounts for the change in flavor. A few friends that liked the beer 2 weeks ago were shocked when I gave them it today. The only thing I can say is I did detect a slight smokey flavor about 2 weeks ago (which I was excited about but knew S-05 doesn't do that). What could cause this?
My sanitation practices are pretty OCD, EVERYTHING is Star-San'd. I siphon 5 gallons of it into primary before I use it, and then into the bottling bucket as well. From the bottling bucket I use the racking cane to fill each bottle 1/2 way with Star-San and shake them up. I then pour 12 of them out and fill 12 (capping immediately). The only thing I can possibly think of is I do an ice-bath in the basement (which takes about 15-25min) with the kettle uncovered before pitching.
Any ideas on where to begin troubleshooting this?