Return to TheElectricBrewery.com
  [ Shop ]   [ Building ]   [ Using ]   [ Recipes ]   [ Testimonials ]   [ Gallery ]   [ FAQ ]   [ About Us ]   [ Contact Us ]   [ Newsletter ]

Log inLog in   RegisterRegister   User Control PanelUser Control Panel   Private MessagesPrivate Messages   MembershipClub Memberships   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   Photo AlbumsPhoto Albums   Forum FAQForum FAQ


Plastic stout

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer-friendly view    TheElectricBrewery.com Forum Index -> Brewing Techniques
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Squid




Joined: 09 Apr 2016
Posts: 33



PostLink    Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2016 5:46 pm    Post subject: Plastic stout Reply with quote


        Register to remove this ad. It's free!
Hello all!
I'm confounded by an issue whereby every stout I make tastes of plastic, or burning plastic to be specific. I've read all the causes and more than one can be applicable to my situation ( namely poor sanitation, underpitching etc)

My question is why, having brewed basic lagers and hefeweizens as well as multiple stout attempts, is it only the stouts that seem to suffer this off flavour?
Back to top
wscottcross




Joined: 03 Jul 2015
Posts: 212
Location: CT

Drinking: Launch IPA, Double Sunshine clone, Maple Coffee breakfast stout

Working on: expanding my beer horizons (and my beltline)


PostLink    Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 1:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

One possible cause is Chlorophenol, which comes from municipal water sources that use Chlorine or Chloramine to treat the water. Also, what is your mash pH? The dark grains in stouts can have a larger effect on mash pH and could explain why you only have the problem with the stout and not so much with the other styles. Have changed anything else in your process or ingredient source?
_________________
Kal clone controller, 30 gallon Spike Brewing kettles, 6 tap keezer
Back to top
Squid




Joined: 09 Apr 2016
Posts: 33



PostLink    Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 5:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

To be perfectly frank, I have never tested the PH of the mash. I use well water as is, so doubt Chloramine or Chlorine are the issue. I could always be better at sanitation I'm sure, but the PH idea is intriguing. I am set to brew later this week and will test the mash.

The other idea I had was sparging with too hot of water or possibly having some grains slip into the boil tank through the false bottom and then boiling them ( which could possibly add tannins - though that would only affect bitterness, and not off flavours I think).
Back to top
McGruber




Joined: 12 Aug 2014
Posts: 237
Location: Idaho


PostLink    Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2016 9:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have not experienced that problem, but it looks like using a carbon filter on your well water would be a good start. Mashing at the right temps, checking pH and doing a great job sanitizing could all help. This is a good link.

https://beerandbrewing.com/VJIK_SsAAF4f4n9u/article/off-flavor-phenolic
Back to top
wscottcross




Joined: 03 Jul 2015
Posts: 212
Location: CT

Drinking: Launch IPA, Double Sunshine clone, Maple Coffee breakfast stout

Working on: expanding my beer horizons (and my beltline)


PostLink    Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

What temperature is your sparge water? What is your grain bill?
_________________
Kal clone controller, 30 gallon Spike Brewing kettles, 6 tap keezer
Back to top
Squid




Joined: 09 Apr 2016
Posts: 33



PostLink    Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

7lbs pale malt
1lb crystal malt
1lb chocolate malt
8 oz roasted barley

Sparge temp was 168
Back to top
wscottcross




Joined: 03 Jul 2015
Posts: 212
Location: CT

Drinking: Launch IPA, Double Sunshine clone, Maple Coffee breakfast stout

Working on: expanding my beer horizons (and my beltline)


PostLink    Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sparging with 168 degree water is fine. Grain bill doesn't look too crazy. Your dark grain ratio is a little higher than I use, but not enough to throw the flavor off that much. Have you had your well water tested? Knowing the mineral content of your source water helps a ton. I use EZ-Water spreadsheet and it helps me nail the water chemistry every time. My pH is perfect and the beers are award winning. Easy to underestimate the effects of the water on the end product.
_________________
Kal clone controller, 30 gallon Spike Brewing kettles, 6 tap keezer
Back to top
Squid




Joined: 09 Apr 2016
Posts: 33



PostLink    Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 9:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, first beer using RO water and salts and we have a success! A stout that tastes like a stout! Thanks gentlemen for all your help. Seems I was lacking a little on my cold side sanitation
Back to top
kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 9:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Glad to hear the last batch worked out!

Kal

_________________
Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
Back to top
View user's photo album (21 photos)
wscottcross




Joined: 03 Jul 2015
Posts: 212
Location: CT

Drinking: Launch IPA, Double Sunshine clone, Maple Coffee breakfast stout

Working on: expanding my beer horizons (and my beltline)


PostLink    Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2017 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had a plastic batch that I'm pretty sure was an infection, possibly the harvested yeast I used on that batch.
_________________
Kal clone controller, 30 gallon Spike Brewing kettles, 6 tap keezer
Back to top
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic   Printer-friendly view    TheElectricBrewery.com Forum Index -> Brewing Techniques All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum



Forum powered by phpBB © phpBB Group