Strong Chemical Smell & Taste

[ncorroy]

I am a beginner homebrew and have done a couple extract kits from NB so far. My first kit was a Chinook IPA which turned out awesome. My second kit was the Dead Ringer IPA which has been bottled for 2 weeks now.

The Dead Ringer IPA has a strong chemical smell and taste. It is drinkable, but barely. I read a few threads about chlorination that can cause a "band-aid" type taste, and I guess it's possible this is what I'm experiencing, although the power of suggestion is there.

I have been using chlorine bleach as my only sanitizer. I have been careful to use appropriate concentrations and rinse the hell out of it. I had no problems with chemical taste on my first batch, and followed the same procedures.

I researched my local water supply reports and found no elevated levels of contaminates, including chlorine, chloride, or chloramine.

A few rookie mistakes I have been making include: Using only chlorine bleach for sanitizing, using tap water (I think this is okay though), and also covering the pot during the boil.

Is it possible that a different contaminate/infection could cause this taste, or can I reliably assume it is the chlorine sanitizer? Any likelihood that the bad taste will dissipate over time?

I have a stout in secondary and a pale ale in primary at the moment, both brewed with similar processes. Sure wish I had waited to start these until I tasted the Dead Ringer!

 

[ColoHox]

You do have to rinse the crap out of your equipment when you use bleach...why not pick up some starsan? Although, I know a few people use bleach with no problems.

Chloramines (if that is what you are tasting) do not dissipate. If you do not think it is your sanitizing practice, then it could likely be an infection. It is also pretty easy to treat your tap with 1/2-1/4 campden tablet, just to be sure.

DMS is the usual worry with a covered boil.

 

[BlackGoat]

You do have to rinse the crap out of your equipment when you use bleach...why not pick up some starsan? Although, I know a few people use bleach with no problems.

Chloramines (if that is what you are tasting) do not dissipate. If you do not think it is your sanitizing practice, then it could likely be an infection. It is also pretty easy to treat your tap with 1/2-1/4 campden tablet, just to be sure.

DMS is the usual worry with a covered boil.

everything he said plus just give it some time in the bottle. You might be surprised that the flavor goes almost entirely away after a few weeks or months. Starsans is super easy to work with, I use Idophor (because starsans rips my hands to shreds) and its wayyyy easier to work with than bleach, plus there is much less risk of off-flavors if used properly.

 

[DocScott]

What temp did you ferment at? How about your pitch rates and the recipe OG? When I hear "chemical", I think either chlorine - band aid/formaldehyde beer or maybe fusel alcohols which are more of an alcohol burn/hot flavor. The Fusels usually come from stressed out yeast due to under pitching, or fermenting too hot.

I second the switch to starsan if you can float the extra few bucks the next time you pick up supplies. Well worth it IMO.

 

[j_adkison27]

3 options really:

1. Fermented too hot
2. Some kind of chlora-whatever induction
3. Didn't allow the yeast enough time to clean up its by-products.

 

[stvo]

I use Idophor (because starsans rips my hands to shreds)

I thought this only happens to me.., dry and cracking after brewing!!

+1 on the StarSan I also use SaniClean (made by same co.) just like StarSan but without the foam. I'm going to give idophor a try now!

 

[BlackGoat]

I thought this only happens to me.., dry and cracking after brewing!!

+1 on the StarSan I also use SaniClean (made by same co.) just like StarSan but without the foam. I'm going to give idophor a try now!

I used idophor forever, and after reading so many comments about the amazingness of starsans I bought some and used it to bottle beer. I know it dries out people's hands but I literally had something that looked like a chemical burn, my hands had open wounds from it. I'm back on the idophor wagon, although it doesn't have foam and you need to be more careful about not having too much get into your beer, I don't really see a difference between it and starsans. Plus, it has absolutely no effect on your hands, give it a shot.

 

[bobbrews]

OP, read this and then see if your question is answered:

http://www.bjcp.org/faults.php

 

[stvo]

I used idophor forever, and after reading so many comments about the amazingness of starsans I bought some and used it to bottle beer. I know it dries out people's hands but I literally had something that looked like a chemical burn, my hands had open wounds from it. I'm back on the idophor wagon, although it doesn't have foam and you need to be more careful about not having too much get into your beer, I don't really see a difference between it and starsans. Plus, it has absolutely no effect on your hands, give it a shot.

Wow crazy must of been a bad reaction.... I will give it a try, and I'll keep in mind and try not to get too much in my beer.