Is it safe to drink oxidized beer?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by TheHeltonator, Jan 12, 2017.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. TheHeltonator

    TheHeltonator Initiate (0) Jan 12, 2017 Missouri

    Hi all,

    I hooked up my CO2 tank to my kegerator keg and filled it at 10 psi so it could force carbonate over the week. I came back after a week went by to give the beer a taste test and noticed the CO2 line was disconnected from the CO2 regulator. I hooked everything back up, replaced the faulty hose clamp, and carbed it back up. I waited a few days, then tested the beer. It smelled a bit sour and tasted a little funny, like an intense bitter taste. It is an Irish red ale, but sure didn't taste like one. I believe it has been oxidized. I'd hate to dumo out 5 gallons of beer. Is it still safe to drink this messed up batch?
     
    #1 TheHeltonator, Jan 12, 2017
  2. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    Yes, healthwise :slight_smile: ...might even be a good colonic
     
    #2 GreenKrusty101, Jan 13, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2017
    PapaGoose03 likes this.
  3. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    It sounds like you have something wrong with your beer, but I doubt that it is oxidation. It's safe to drink if you can get past the bad taste that you describe. My guess is that the beer will not improve. If your 'sour' taste is more likely described as a tartness, I think you could have an infected beer, but it's worth giving it some conditioning time in the keg to either get better or get worse before your next step. Let us know how it tastes in another 10 days or so.
     
    #3 PapaGoose03, Jan 13, 2017
    billandsuz and LuskusDelph like this.
  4. 1beerbaron

    1beerbaron Initiate (0) Mar 24, 2009 Ohio

    Oxidized beer is going to taste like wet cardboard. @Mothergoose03 is correct in that what you're describing sounds more like an infection.
     
    #4 1beerbaron, Jan 13, 2017
    LuskusDelph likes this.
  5. TheHeltonator

    TheHeltonator Initiate (0) Jan 12, 2017 Missouri

    Thanks, all. If you'll excuse me, I have to pay my respects at my Irish Red's funeral.
     
    #5 TheHeltonator, Jan 13, 2017
  6. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Sad to see it go. :slight_frown:

    You probably will want to bone up on your sanitation procedures before your next batch.
     
    #6 PapaGoose03, Jan 13, 2017
  7. minderbender

    minderbender Initiate (0) Jan 18, 2009 New York

    May I suggest some appropriate musical accompaniment.
     
    #7 minderbender, Jan 13, 2017
    donspublic and JackHorzempa like this.
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.