A few months ago I posted about a dry hopped (in the keg) IPA that had a distinct soapy flavor. At that time there were some suggestions, but nothing conclusive. Fast forward to the beginning of this month. I made a German Ale which was featured at the local PBS brew fest..... tasted great. Didn't quite finish it and took it home. Sat in the keggerator waiting for a tap to open up which happened last week. Hooked it up and started drinking it..... Af few days ago.....SOAPY FLAVOR!!!!!!!!
So, did some research, and (in a testament to the importance of good record keeping) it was in THE SAME KEG! (Yes they are numbered and the number is entered in the log......) Unfortunately it was right about that time that I numbered the kegs, and started keeping track of them, so I don't know if it was the first use for that keg or not. It is keg # 6 and it was batch # 18, so there is a chance that it was the first use for that keg......
Interesting note is that there were no shared ingredients between the two batches, other than my water.
This barrel is in for a serious cleaning..... will report back to see if I find anything.
And now for the kicker.....
Some of you that have enjoyed the good herb know the feeling. You're walking around somewhere, not thinking about anything, when suddenly you get a whiff......WHAM! Sensory bells and whistles go off LOUD.....
Just so, I am very sensitive to the soapy flavor, and when it appears I jump..... Well the other day I was sitting in a bar in LA enjoying a brew, when suddenly halfway through the beer (insert horns, bells and beepers) SOAPY FLAVOR...... in a bottle of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale?
There is a distinct possibility that there is nothing wrong with my beer, but everything with my olfactory senses.......