That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 4:42 pm
by Eamonn
I've been experiencing a ongoing problem. A strong plastic off taste when beer sits in my line for more than about 2-3 minutes. I know the beer coming out of the keg is ok, and I can drink it as long as I avoid leaving any in the line. The small amount of beer in the line also foams up violently when released into the glass. But I've changed my lines about 4-5 times, used different taps, guns, stripped discos, taps etc. PBW soak, etc, etc. Other people do not have these problems with the same line types (poly, vinyl etc), as I have witnessed it myself drinking their beer. I can understand a small taint, but mine is extreme.
My question is: can something in my beer (PH, high sodium brewing water, etc) react with the typical beerline materials to cause plasticty taste problems?
Any ideas?
Re: That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 5:57 pm
by DannyW
What is the source of your beer line? Is it actual beer line from a brewing store or restaurant supply place OR is it from the hardware store?
Re: That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 7:47 pm
by Eamonn
Latest line is from homebrew supply store.
EVA-BEVERAGE TUBE 8MM-5/16".SOLD BY THE METER.DESCRIPTION:formulated from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a food grade compound which will not taint beverages.It has good flexibility, a mirror smooth bore and excellent abrasion resistance.COLOUR: Translucent.Temp Rating:-20 to 75 C.DIMENSIONS:OD 8mm ID 5mm. Working Pressure:40 PSI @ 20C.
Used simple vinyl previously and that was similar but worse. Noticed my friends dont have the same problem with thier beer with the same lines. Therefore I think something in my beer is promoting this reaction in the line. Just looking for ideas on what might be doing this?
Re: That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:14 pm
by dunleav1
Re: That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 8:49 pm
by ChrisKennedy
It can absolutely be your beer line. I have had problems with Foxx Superflex beer lines giving my beer a strong vinyl taste. I didn't wait for it to possibly go away, I just replaced the lines with the opaque stuff.
Re: That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 3:53 am
by Sent From My iPhone
Re: That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:10 am
by LoganO
I have fox lines and have noticed that flavor but my in my lighter beers like a German Pills and my Belgian Blonde. I will run a few ounces out and pour it out and then it is good to go but still worries me a bit.
Re: That beer line taste problem and is it really the beer line?
Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 5:43 pm
by Eamonn
Update - found some severe pitting to the stainless on the beer out poppet to this keg. Replaced the poppet and will see how it goes later today.
