Have I been muting my beer?

[xico]

I want to throw another idea in the ring. mabrungard and I have discussed it a while back in another thread and that's CO2 sources. Since I relocated to another part of the country every time I use CO2 to carbonate my beer flavors become muddled and head way of oxidation within a couple months. The bottles we change out can be mismanaged, steel can rust, and unpleasant compounds can find their way into the tank and then into the beer.

Since I've returned to keg/bottle conditioning I've had no issues with the same chemical off-flavor and my hop-forward flavors in still version are lively and present with carbonation. I'm just throwing this out there because if the water adjustments don't solve your issues your CO2 bottle could be another problem. I would definitely start with the water though!

 

[SEndorf]

...Or buy RO at the grocery store.
I fill 5 gallon containers for 0.39 per gallon.
For me, my brewing water is less cost per year than the annual filter replacement of an RO home system.
This calculation presumes RO water for brewing only. My tap water is fine, sans the alkalinity.

 

[bransona]

...Or buy RO at the grocery store.
I fill 5 gallon containers for 0.39 per gallon.
For me, my brewing water is less cost per year than the annual filter replacement of an RO home system.
This calculation presumes RO water for brewing only. My tap water is fine, sans the alkalinity.

Depending on where you get RO, the water can actually be very high in some chemicals if the filters haven't been changed lately. Most of the RO fill stations tell you the last filter change date. Just food for thought for whomever is reading this thread

 

[SEndorf]

Depending on where you get RO, the water can actually be very high in some chemicals if the filters haven't been changed lately. Most of the RO fill stations tell you the last filter change date. Just food for thought for whomever is reading this thread

Good point. I should have mentioned a TDS meter is a good investment. The store I visit posts their maintenance record.

 

[mabrungard]

your CO2 bottle could be another problem.

Ditto that thought. I've been educated on the merits of making sure that you obtain and use Beverage-grade or better CO2 for your beer. There is some oxygen in all bottled CO2, but some grades are much worse than others. Ask for how much O2 is in their gas before you buy it!!!!

 

[MHBT]

I get my Co2 from a fire command company, so im sure it has little o2 cause the last thing they need is o2 when trying to put out a fire lol

 

[bransona]

Update: I picked up Gypsum and CaCl, and am ordering a wort chiller tonight! I intend to brew again ASAP and will report back once it's kegged. Hopefully this is the big difference I've been searching for!

 

[mabrungard]

I get my Co2 from a fire command company, so im sure it has little o2 cause the last thing they need is o2 when trying to put out a fire lol

Comparatively, that CO2 probably has a LOT more oxygen than you think. Beverage grade or research grade are going to be what I buy from now on.

 

[schoellhorn82]

Be careful. RO systems with the little filters that are included in that system are penny-wise, pound foolish. You are much better off buying a RO system that has the bigger 10" filters. They last longer and cost less.

Good point. I didnt even look at the ad just forwarded it. Lesson learned before giving advice