BEER TASTE BAD

[jp254958]

Hi. I just purchased a freezer and hooked up a thermostat to build a kegerator. I hooked up everything and I'm having problems with the beer taste and carbonation--it tastes very sour and flat. There is a lot of head that comes with the beer but there is very little carbonation (very small bubbles, not typical).

Does anyone know what the cause of this may be? I have cleaned my beer lines thoroughly and need this problem fixed ASAP! FOOTBALL IS STARTING SOON!

[bmagyari]

I had the same problem- Make sure the faucet is clean.

[Auld Og]

Could be temperature and/or pressure problem. You should be shooting for 36-40F depending on your brew. 8-16lbs pressure depending on i.d. and length of beer line.

The controller for the freezer might be making swings too wide when trying to hit your target temp. What's the temp. of liquid in your freezer?

I'm sure mmscott will pop in here and sort you out but some specifics on your system would help.

[Auld Og]

Before I forget, as above make sure your faucet, coupler, and beer line are clean.

[Scott Zuhse]

Sour taste is normally a sign of bacteria presence in system or from bad keg. As to the carbonation level (flat), what is your liquid temp.,beer brand, elevation? With this info, we can dial in pressure exactly.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute