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Draught v bottled - nasty smells.

I used to rate Bath Ales Gem very highly. For two years I drank copious amounts of the stuff at my local, Then the landlord changed and so did the quality. Several years down the line and I still don't like it. Have to admit that most people seem happy but I have a couple of mates who are firmly convinced its changed for the worst. I find the draught has a very strong and unpleasant aroma - can't place it - caramel has been suggested -I'm not sure. The aftertaste is best described as sour / mouldy with a hint of cardboard. I really don't like it. Tried it other pubs - not as bad but still poor.

A few days ago I purchased a bottle of Gem - brilliant- no dreadful aroma -just like it used to be. Also bought a bottle of Golden Hare. That aroma was discernable, though acceptable.

Now a week ago I tried a draught Black Sheep in a reputable bar at the other end of the country. There was that aroma again - struggled to drink it. Tried their other ales - 100% as always.

Bought a bottle of Black Sheep yesterday. Excellent - no aroma.

So what's going on - it's not just me, but it does seem a minority (10 -20%) who seem to be noticing this.

Graham

Reply to
Graham C
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Tis on at our spoons but I dont drink it cos I like summat else better!

Reply to
Chris

I'm not trying to suggest your smell/taste buds are at fault here. (The great thing about real ale is the range of choice and invention so it is only to be expected that people with different tastes either acquired through habit or predisposition, have different reactions.)

Bottled beer /tends/ to be more highly conditioned and have a different quantity of dead yeast cells. /Personally/ I find this brings out the caramelisms with sharply defined hops in the few I drink. (My normal source being direct from the cask in various Essex locations - so very little condition.)

If "you can't place the offending aroma" then what do others drinking it with you think? Sour or sickly? Stale or fresh? Citrus or sewer? Amongst experienced buffs you'll get different answers to the same sample but something more descriptive will probably emerge.

10% of the population are exceptional in almost any scale of thing you care to mention. It is part of a decent genetic survival strategy. For example 10% are very sensitive to yeast. 10% to di-sulphide etc. (This applies to every walk of life. 10% are DEFINITELY at one end of the spectrum, 10% are DEFINITELY at the other end and the majority in-between. eg Some people will never be able to teach, a few will be MANY TIMES as effective teachers as the average. Replace 'teacher' with skilled job of your choice').

In conclusion: Good question but not enough data.

Reply to
Peter Fox

As Peter said the percentage you quote fits with the profile of people who can or can't pick up variations in taste, smell, sight, sound etc

There seems to be an element of confusion in the info you supplied though as you mentioned the landlord in the local pub changing but you are specific about a beer. Is there no other pub to try the beer within easy reach for a comparison tasting? If so you may find the same problem elsewhere and that something has changed at the brewery (larger fermenters, different hops, different source for the malt)

If it is a brewery change then let them know that you and others don't like the change - they are small and small businesses often respond quickly to customers.

Reply to
spampling

You are not alone I now avoid Bath ales , as do several people I know due to this taste.

Andy

Reply to
Andy Clark

Could be a yeast infection - this is a guess.

Wickwar went through a phase of bad beer, but are now back on form, same happened to Bullmastiff.

I had Gem innabox from the brewery a fortnight ago and it seemed Ok to me, though I might have chosen Barnstormer myself!

Reply to
Esra Sdrawkcab

Tried a draught Gem in the New Inn at Priddy on Friday. Not bad at all. ISTR having one here about 18 months ago and being quite impressed. So it may just be that my local 'Ex Bristol CAMRA pub of the year' premanently serves bad beer, as does my other Gem local.

Will monitor the situation

Graham

Reply to
Graham C

A bottle of something or other from Morrissey Fox, presented blind at our tasting panel, was truly disgusting!

We were all very amused to find out what it was!!

Reply to
Chris

In article , Graham C writes

Not cleaning the pipes properly, or you're getting the first pint out after a pipe clean? Ale with detergent and steriliser, yum.

Reply to
Mike Tomlinson

I have noticed this in several different pubs and most of the beer in the range . May be something only some people can taste .

Andy

Reply to
Andy Clark

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