Bitter Likker..is it the heat?

[troutscout48]

third generation UJSSM. The first gen was normal, the second gen had the first really bitter tails I've ever had and the third was bitter as a green gourd from the get-go. Weather here over 100F every day throughout the ferment. I work in a big concrete storm cellar but it's still plenty warm. Any of you Aussies (or anyone else) experience this?
thanx,
rich

[ScottishBoy]

Have you been checking your PH with each gen? UJSSM gets more acidic with each generation if you use a lot of backset. I usually have to add a little carbonate to each generation to keep it running smoothly.

[MuleKicker]

Could you have an infection, maybe a little vinegar in yer likker? I use alot of backset, low ph. it slows the ferment, but it has never been bitter. Is the wash clear when you transfer to yer boiler. I have never had the problem but if yer burnin solids, could produce nasties.

[troutscout48]

Thanx for your replies. Wash worked normally, if a bit quickly, due to the heat. Cleared well. Tasted normal, sour but not bitter. I had already cut back on the backset, hoping that would cure the bitter tails experienced in the second generation. I normally run until the likker won't burn and my last jar of tails is merely insipid. This last run was bitter after the first 3/4 quart!
thanx again,
rich

[olddog]

Are you making proper cuts? if you have heads in your mix, it will give you a bitey likker, I am on my 12th generation, and although fermentation is a bit slower I don't have any bitter taste in the product.



OD

[Ayay]

100F = 38C... A little hot dependin on the yeast. I go to around 32C for bakers yeast, but it's more in the cuts than the brewin.

Watch out for the pre-tails. They have a lingering afterburn and they come before the real tails. The real tails have a stink even if smooth tastin, but the pre-tails have a slow oily afterburn.

[troutscout48]

Looks like you were right SB. Next gen failed to start. ph too low, apparently, as it started after adding pickling lime.
thanx,
rich

[gobbler777]

Have you been checking your PH with each gen? UJSSM gets more acidic with each generation if you use a lot of backset. I usually have to add a little carbonate to each generation to keep it running smoothly.

scottish boy - when you say you use carbonate do you mean calcium carbonate and if so how much do you use to stabilze the ph after a few generations? the reason im asking is because i have run into this problem when i get on about my 4th or 5th generation(i use 40-50% backset each time) 10 gal wash

[ScottishBoy]

You wont need much about a tsp is usually what I end up using. I have been known to bork the ratios and make a wash that is too base. When I do that, I just leave it for a slow ferment and it comes back into range on the next batch.

[gobbler777]

[quote="ScottishBoy"]You wont need much about a tsp is usually what I end up using. I have been known to bork the ratios and make a wash that is too base. When I do that, I just leave it for a slow ferment and it comes back into range on the next batch.[/quot



10-4

[BillHoo]

In some of my earlier attempts, I would try to get the most out of each batch by using a lot more sugar than I should. sure, I get a greater yield, but what I got was bitter.

I cut back on the sugar to no more than 5 lbs per 5 gallons and all is good for me.

[rad14701]

In some of my earlier attempts, I would try to get the most out of each batch by using a lot more sugar than I should. sure, I get a greater yield, but what I got was bitter.

I cut back on the sugar to no more than 5 lbs per 5 gallons and all is good for me.

That's a 7% wash... You could probably got to 7.5 lbs for a 10% wash without imparting off tastes or smells...

[ScottishBoy]

I find that 10lbs of sugar per 6 gallons does me pretty well. ( Just shy of 12%) Its reasonable and since my house is kind of cool, I havent noted anything off. It was the backset PH that threw me off.