One Year On.......

[SkyBlue]

As the title suggests, it’s been around a year since i started my All Grain brewing journey. A very enjoyable first year but a year where I still wonder what I’ve learnt!!

I use an All-In-One system to produce some amazing wort. Quality ingridents and recipe instructions mean I hit all the relevant numbers.

Stainless steel fermenter (recent shiny purchase!!) and the first stage is (I think) pretty nailed on!!

The product should be, I feel, somewhat better. The taste is amazing, alcohol content what I want but two things I’ve noticed:
1) the final brew lacks fizz: I rack into 2 plastic kegs so can’t believe both have leaks
2) my last brew was superb during the early weeks but now tastes a bit “vinegary” to the point of wanting to pour it down the drain.

I feel I am close to making a beer I cannot fault so welcome any tips, equipment recommendations, help or advice this friendly community can offer.

Cheers and apologies for the lengthy post!!!!

Andy

 

[Dutto]

Well done! A full year and no catastrophes!

So to try and answer your queries:

1. Brew lacks "fizz". Most PB's are only rated to 15psi whereas a pressurised system like a Corny Keg or even a bottle will often hold a pressure of 30psi. Your plastic keg probably won't have a leak but it will have a Pressure Relief Valve on the outlet and a check-valve on the Inlet; either of which may not be working properly and need to be checked out.
2. The "vinegary taste" may be linked to the lack of "fizz". If air has been allowed into the PB it could be causing oxidisation or a mild infection. Alternatively, if I am intending to save a brew in a PB for more than a month I make sure that it is one with an ABV of 5% or above. The higher ABV reduces the chance of the brew going "off"; just like a pint of milk in a fridge will last longer than one sat on the worktop. The other factor is that we have just been through one of the hottest summers in history and that also will have accelerated any problems.

Enjoy, because the simple solution is that you just aren't drinking your beer fast enough!

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi!
As usual, excellent advice from @Dutto
I gave up on PBs precisely for the reason you stated.
A full corny system with CO2 bottle will mean getting your hand in your pocket, but you will never have "fizzless" beer again.

 

[Alside101]

Cornys are the best investment ever

 

[SkyBlue]

Many thanks for the advice. Looks like I need to raid the slush fund for the Corny kegs and then just claim to the wife that I’ve “had them for ages”!!!

Cheers

 

[simon12]

My opinion differs slightly, having used various barrels and cornies I find barrels easier when they work properly, I like the king keg top taps as you can easily check pressure by if anything comes out and the reason I prefer them to cornies if these's no lines to clean and if pressure does leak you don't end up with an empty cylinder. But if you want higher carbonation then cornies or bottles will be better.

 

[Alside101]

Thehomebrewcompany.co.uk probably cheapest for kegs

 

[Alside101]

Many thanks for the advice. Looks like I need to raid the slush fund for the Corny kegs and then just claim to the wife that I’ve “had them for ages”!!!

Cheers

Find out what the wife likes and put it on tap for her in her own corny that she can jazz up look all pretty

 

[prog99]

My opinion differs slightly, having used various barrels and cornies I find barrels easier when they work properly, I like the king keg top taps as you can easily check pressure by if anything comes out and the reason I prefer them to cornies if these's no lines to clean and if pressure does leak you don't end up with an empty cylinder. But if you want higher carbonation then cornies or bottles will be better.

You don't need to do this with cornies either. I keep the pressure in mine topped up with a s30 gas cylinder periodically.

 

[Cwrw666]

Or bottle it. More work but cheap and personally I like bottled beer.

And yes, 2 PBs that both leak. Not beyond the realms of possibility. Nor even all that unlikely...