TOPIC:

This has been a recurring theme for me for the last couple of visits to Against the Grain. The irish beers on tap have an unpleasant aftertaste, it is difficult to describe it fully but it occurs towards the end of the taste, it seems chemical in nature, sulphury springs to mind.. I have steadily worked my way through most of the taps that they have in there and I get this taste on the Irish Draft beers not on the Cask, Bottle or Foreign Draft. E.g. I love Howling Gale Ale in Bottle and on Cask but find it undrinkable on Draft. Has anyone else experienced the same?

The Beers I have tried where I get this taste

Howling Gale Ale
Galway Hooker Pale Ale
Oharas Irish Pale Ale
Tom Creans Lager (particularly bad)
Trouble Brewing Or

So I guess that begs the question is it something to do with the way the pub itself is serving the beer? CO2, pipes etc?
or could it be the process of kegging has allowed something to creep in intentional or no.

If you're getting it off them all, it has to something in common to them all...

Could it be:
1. You? Sometimes I taste things that no-one else does.
2. Line cleaner? I've never tasted it so I can't comment.
3. Students? Too many in one location gives a sulphury smell.

"Tube":3mx1yhhq wrote: If you're getting it off them all, it has to something in common to them all...

Could it be:
1. You? Sometimes I taste things that no-one else does.
Its possible - hence the reason I have posted this up on a public forum. But why don't I get it on cask, bottled versions of the same beer?
2. Line cleaner? I've never tasted it so I can't comment.
- again possible - I would imagine that it would be a more wider complaint if it was the case
3. Students? Too many in one location gives a sulphury smell.
I bought a student filter kit on ebay which has the effect of making students appear as normal people when in my company
[/quote:3mx1yhhq]

Line cleaner is normally bright pink and pretty noticeable when it comes out. Standard procedure is to run a good few litres of water through the lines after cleaning anyway to flush it all out.

It could be a problem with their glassware as well, maybe the detergent isn't getting fully rinsed off.

I would think it is more likely in the line. You should bring it up with a member of staff.

Could it be a baking soda taste? I've also been put off drinking draft IPAs like Galway Hooker by an unpleasant taste. I wondered if it was too much carbonation. I've had pints with an inch of froth on them at the Bull and Castle. Don't know if I'm tasting what you're tasting or just imagining it.