Dry hopping Error - reaction with metal sieves

[AdyG]

Hi Everyone

Following my recent hoppy IPA quest and experimenting with different methods of dry hopping, rather than throwing hop leaves in the secondary FV after main fermentation had subsided, I thought I had found the ideal solution by putting the hops in between two stainless steel sieves clipped together. They would be suspended in middle of the FV allowing more flavour and circulation around them.

When the stainless steel sieves were removed and washed after the beer was kegged, dry hopping was 4 days, the sieves went rusty after drying! I don't think they were as good quality as I first assumed, and now they have been thrown out. The beer tasted great with an impressive hoppy tang when final gravity was measured (it was an AIPA dry hopped with left over Simcoe & Amarillo), now after two weeks conditioning it has a slight metallic after taste. It's not really awful or undrinkable, it's just a little bit like the metallic taste you get from an old spoon when having an ice cream at a run down seaside cafe. You always finish your ice cream but you have a slightly metallic taste in your mouth!

I've have now learned from my error, and will not be dry hopping this way again... or with low quality stainless steel... but has anyone had similar situations with any metal and their beer, and more importantly is it safe to drink? My current feeling is to leave it a couple more weeks, try a couple of pints, and if I still have my vision in the morning I'm going to assume it ok and start feeding it to my mates.

Cheers!

[jmc]

Hi Everyone

Following my recent hoppy IPA quest and experimenting with different methods of dry hopping, rather than throwing hop leaves in the secondary FV after main fermentation had subsided, I thought I had found the ideal solution by putting the hops in between two stainless steel sieves clipped together. They would be suspended in middle of the FV allowing more flavour and circulation around them.

When the stainless steel sieves were removed and washed after the beer was kegged, dry hopping was 4 days, the sieves went rusty after drying! I don't think they were as good quality as I first assumed, and now they have been thrown out. The beer tasted great with an impressive hoppy tang when final gravity was measured (it was an AIPA dry hopped with left over Simcoe & Amarillo), now after two weeks conditioning it has a slight metallic after taste. It's not really awful or undrinkable, it's just a little bit like the metallic taste you get from an old spoon when having an ice cream at a run down seaside cafe. You always finish your ice cream but you have a slightly metallic taste in your mouth!

I've have now learned from my error, and will not be dry hopping this way again... or with low quality stainless steel... but has anyone had similar situations with any metal and their beer, and more importantly is it safe to drink? My current feeling is to leave it a couple more weeks, try a couple of pints, and if I still have my vision in the morning I'm going to assume it ok and start feeding it to my mates.

Cheers!

I'm assuming that they were std kitchen metal sieves so they're unlikely to have any toxic metals on them.
As long as taste is OK, (and you may notice it more than your mates) then I'd get on with it.

I think the cheap sieves sometimes have ss sieve wire but ring is chromed or galvanized.
I look at labels on this sort of kit carefully now and steer clear of any that say 'dry carefully after washing' or 'do not clean in dishwasher'.

BTW: Ikea sieves seem to be all SS.

[darkonnis]

use these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300688070507? ... 1423.l2649

they should be fine for what you intend in future. Theres plenty of sellers so that isnt necessarily the cheapest one.

[AdyG]

Cheers jmc, I think they were just cheap ones from Wilkos, but I've realised now I should have got some high grade dishwasher friendly ones.

darkonnis, that looks ideal for dry hopping, I will investigate further

I think my plan is to drink a couple of pints when ready and see how I get on still, as you say, it can't be too toxic if it's meant for kitchen use.

[Skittlebrau]

You can just carry on using pureed leaves or pellets if you use a standard size stainless teaball with hole cut and siphon tube inserted. Sanitise and plop into FV, start siphon, job's a good 'un.

[far9410]

use these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300688070507? ... 1423.l2649

they should be fine for what you intend in future. Theres plenty of sellers so that isnt necessarily the cheapest one.

+1

[Redimpz]

I bought 2 x plastic sieves from Wilkos for 99p each, they are quite capable of doing the job and sanitise easily.

[AdyG]

I bought 2 x plastic sieves from Wilkos for 99p each, they are quite capable of doing the job and sanitise easily.

I should have just gone for the really cheap ones then! I spent £1.99 each on mine

Looks like the tea strainer seems to be a popular choice then!

[Wezzel]

Try googling "stainless steel rice ball". Mine works a treat. I think it's about 5" diameter and hangs on a stainless steel chain. Doesn't need weighing down and is easy to clean and sanitise.

[Nofolkandchance]

Your really wasting your time mate with cheap sieves and tea balls. I know, been there and done it. At that cost you won't get any corrosion resistance.

I now use a giant bag in the fermenter weighed down with 2 x high grade 316 stainless steel 50mm bearings. Works a treat