Common Beer Off Flavours – Metallic, Copper, ink and blood
Off Flavour: Metallic
Chemical Name: Ferrous Sulphate
What to taste or smell: Tastes of metal, copper, ink or blood. The best way to identify this is to rub a bit of beer on the back of your hand. This gives off a strong metallic odour and sensation.
When does it occur: Poor quality metal work, piping or via packaging (bottle caps, kegs or cans). Make sure your mini kegs have a passivated coating (ours do). Grains that aren’t stored correctly or are old can also impart metallic off flavours.
Will it disappear over time: No, it will likey increase with aging.
Tips on how to reduce Ferrous Sulphate:
- Remove metal ions by treating your brewing water
- Use food grade plastic, glass, or stainless steel to store both your fermenting and finished beer.
- Replace corroded fittings and fixtures immediately
Other Common Off Flavours:
- Who put a banana in my beer?
- Why does my beer smell like butterscotch or popcorn?
- Did someone fart in my beer?
Our commitment is to help you brew better beer, with only the essential premium equipment you need. Get one of our home brew starter kits and mini keg kits and start your journey with us. Just because you are brewing small doesn’t mean you cant dream big. Tag us @smallbatchbrew so we can tell the world about another up and coming Master Brewer.
