Smells like beer

[KRF]

Hi everyone my first post.

I’ve brewed about 152gal.took about 5.5 years, almost all in 5gal extract kits. I modified several..in the past years I’ve added and subtract from kits. I’ve been very happy with my results no complete failures. My question today has to do with cleaning, I have used a 6.5 gallon Speidel 5 months for the last 5 brews.” I can’t get the smell of BEER OUT....

I use PBW, 1-3oz per gal. Let is set for 2-8 hours I’ve used dish soap, I have changed water temperature, there’s still a sent of beer. My previous fermenter was a NB Big Mouth worked great didn’t have any unpleasant odor just not very durable. Any suggestions???

ImMaybe it’s time for a SS fermenter. “All Speidel beer fermenters are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic that is much thicker than traditional plastic used on most brewing carboys”.

Thanks KRF-A Michigan brewer

 

[VikeMan]

It's plastic, so it absorbs and releases odors. Some have reported that repeated PBW soaks and/or baking soda soaks help.

But I think the important question is... Do you notice anything off in your finished beers? If not, and if your speidel does everything you want it to, then why spend the money on an updgrade?

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

Yup plastic fermentors still smell like beer, not usually a problem. I bought a used Speidel it smells like grandma’s basement. I haven’t brewed with it yet but I’d be more comfortable using it if it smelled like beer.

 

[cubalz]

I have been using Speidel fermenters exclusively for well over 10 years and all of them smell like beer and I am a clean freak when it comes to my equipment, especially cold side. I would not worry about it, HDPE plastic absorbs odors. If the beer tastes good don't give it a second thought.