So the day came (yesterday) that I needed to bust open my carboys of Oktoberfest; which was made in mid-September. I had (2) 6-gal carboys of the stuff and I had used different yeast for each. After lagering since then at 32F I opened the first one up last night to transfer it to a keg. After getting the siphon going I pulled a sample to check the gravity and of course to taste, and boy was I in for a surprise. Something had happened (most likely contamination) and it just didn't taste right; AT ALL! In fact, I would put a slight vinegar flavor along side a soapy flavor. I promptly stopped the transfer and snagged the other carboy. After a quick rinse/re-sanitize the keg, I started "#2" going and pulled another sample; this one was definitely on the spot and had a nice crisp flavor. I'm curious to see how it'll taste once some CO2 gets thrown at it, so I'll have to swing by the shop to snag a glass. As for the bad batch, well, down the drain she went. After 20-something batches of beer, I FINALLY came to one that I had to throw out. I was hoping to never go through that, but as I have been told many times, "it happens to everyone".
Slainte,
DLR
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