Metallic smell from my growler. Problem?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by JonEleven, Mar 1, 2018.

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  1. JonEleven

    JonEleven Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2016 California
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    Yes, it's a metal growler. And yes, I see the irony.

    It's the stainless steel uKeg and I hadn't used it in quite a while but remember cleaning it properly last time I did (Several hot water rinses and let it dry for a few days before storing it).

    Now it has this smell kind of reminiscent of wet coins. Is this typical of metal growlers at all?

    I can't quite remember if it smelled that way to start but it was strong enough to give me pause. It's not gross or anything but I'm hoping it won't make any beer smell or taste similarly.

    I've given it a few baking soda + hot water treatments today and there hasn't been much improvement.
     
    #1 JonEleven, Mar 1, 2018
  2. reefer_bob

    reefer_bob Savant (1,010) May 13, 2014 California
    Trader

    This is why I use the Star San. The slight acidic nature of the cleaning gets rid of that metalic smell/taste. I do this on all new stainless, growlers, cups, etc. I think of it as a very very mild passivization.
     
    #2 reefer_bob, Mar 1, 2018
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  3. AZBeerDude72

    AZBeerDude72 Initiate (0) Jun 10, 2016 Arizona

    I am confused, you smell metal and your growler is metal? What odor should it be giving off then?
    Sounds like your sensitive to the odor then my only advice would be use glass or something else, why go down this road at all? Honestly I would never use a metallic growler, glass is my choice and works as intended.
    Cheers
     
    #3 AZBeerDude72, Mar 1, 2018
  4. JonEleven

    JonEleven Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2016 California
    Trader

    Haha yeah I realize that sounds weird but it's a lot stronger than it should have been. I dug out a metal water bottle and smelled that as well to make sure I wasn't crazy.

    Great pointer on the acid wash, thanks! I normally have starsan around but didn't have any on hand. I tried a diluted vinegar soak for 5 minutes followed by another hot rinse and the smell has diminished considerably. Hopefully another soak is all I'll need.
     
    #4 JonEleven, Mar 1, 2018
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  5. bbtkd

    bbtkd Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,790) Sep 20, 2015 South Dakota
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Try the baking soda and vinegar together
     
    #5 bbtkd, Mar 2, 2018
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  6. AZBeerDude72

    AZBeerDude72 Initiate (0) Jun 10, 2016 Arizona

    I noticed a simliar smell from my kids water bottles. They have these stainless ones and I can detect that metal odor from them so I know what your referring to. In all seriousness see if you can clean it out if not and the odor is the same after many cleanings just put aside and go the old school route with glass. Good luck.... :slight_smile:
     
    #6 AZBeerDude72, Mar 2, 2018
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  7. JonEleven

    JonEleven Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2016 California
    Trader

    Thanks!
    The second vinegar wash worked. The smell was pretty much non-existent after that. If that metal smell/taste ever bothers your kids, I bet that would do the trick. Not that it matters much in water. I actually kind of like the taste...just not in my beer.

    I do normally go for glass, but the ukeg is nice for keeping things properly carbed if I don't want to drink all 64oz at once. And having a mini tap in my fridge is fun.
     
    #7 JonEleven, Mar 2, 2018
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  8. nc41

    nc41 Initiate (0) Sep 25, 2008 North Carolina
    Trader

    I'd also make sure it's completely air dry before you cap it after using, the left over moisture contained inside won't help you much either.
     
    #8 nc41, Mar 2, 2018
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  9. Dan411

    Dan411 Initiate (0) Mar 20, 2017 Missouri

    And chase it with some Mentos and Diet Coke.
     
    #9 Dan411, Mar 2, 2018
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  10. IPAExpert69

    IPAExpert69 Savant (1,065) Aug 2, 2017 Pennsylvania

    Glass Growlers still the best!
     
    #10 IPAExpert69, Mar 2, 2018
  11. reefer_bob

    reefer_bob Savant (1,010) May 13, 2014 California
    Trader

    #11 reefer_bob, Mar 2, 2018
  12. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    I am uncertain whether the issue with this Stainless Steel Growler is a passivation issue but if it is than cleaning it with Bar Keepers Friend will do the trick:

    https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bar-Keepers-Friend-Cleanser-Polish-21-Oz/15026756

    You can read more discussion from John Palmer on this topic below:

    “To passivate stainless steel at home without using a nitric acid bath, you need to clean the surface of all dirt, oils and oxides. The best way to do this is to use an oxalic acid based kitchen cleanser like those mentioned above, and a non-metallic green or white scrubby pad. Don't use steel wool, or any metal pad, even stainless steel, because this will actually promote rust. Scour the surface thoroughly and then rinse and dry it with a towel. Once you have cleaned it to bare metal it will re-passivate itself.”

    http://howtobrew.com/book/appendices/appendix-b/passivating-stainless-steel

    FWIW I choose to use a ‘regular’ sponge when I clean with Bar Keepers Friend.

    Cheers!
     
    #12 JackHorzempa, Mar 3, 2018
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