Is a vinegar smell, but good taste ok?

[Jimmy_B]

So I have my first batch of cider in the primary. When I open the lid to check the gravity I noticed it smells like vinegar, however when I tried it, it tasted normal. Is the vinegar smell normal when making cider or is it an indication that it is probably bad?

 

[oldmate]

It could be anything from the smell of the yeast (are you using a new yeast strain?) or some acetobacter might be in there, stinking up the joint. In my opinion, if it tastes good, who cares about the smell?

 

[Fletch78]

Even if it is acetic bacteria making vinegar, it should not be working so fast that you'd notice it in the primary after only a couple of days. My impression is that it takes longer, it's something that will mess you up during a long secondary, if contaminated.

 

[Pivovar_Koucky]

Cider is also quite acidic, it could just be your nose perceiving the organic acids naturally in the apple juice as acetic acid (i.e. vinegar, the most common organic acid). If you start to taste a hint of vinegar, you might worry about infection, but if its just a smell I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Jimmy_B]

Sounds good, thanks!

 

[Pappers_]

I was thinking along the lines of Pivovar, too. Also, maybe you're perceiving the 'sting' of the CO2 in the carboy? Not really a smell, but you know, an unpleasant sensation in the nose.

 

[Nikkimaija]

I experienced the exact same thing and nearly tossed the batch. Decided to grit my teeth & bottled anyway (sweetened & stabilized some, made the rest sparkling.) Took a while to carbonate but now the sparkling stuff especially is bone dry and very tasty, and perfect to serve at dinner with its nice acidity. Had roasted chicken & potatoes with the last of summer greens & goat cheese the other night...the cider handled it all.