Could it be phenolics you are tasting? Here are a few links I found. In
my experience anything that tasted like that was due to wild yeast,
although there are other causes such as bacteria or insufficiently
rinsed bleach.

[url]http://hbd.org/hbd/archive/4471.html#4471-14[/url]

[url]http://chef2chef.net/kb/index_v2.php?id=500&c=7[/url]

[url]http://chef2chef.net/kb/index_v2.php?id=510&c=7[/url]





DeanWesterburg wrote:[color=blue]
> Hello all! I started brewing about a year ago and have only had 2 good
> batches out of my 7 attmepts. Both were good batches were after buying
> new fermenters. So, I assume Cleaning is my issue.
>
> But what doesn't make sense is Why? I clean my hands and arms well
> before starting like a doctor scrubbing up. Then I use a clorinated
> cleaner or Iodine to make sure my equipment is clean. Then I rinse it
> well several time with tap water (I have been told by other brewers in
> the area that our tap water is excelent for brewing). Then I use One
> Step and do not rinse, just like the directions say.
>
> Then on to brewing. NO ONE stands over the pot or breaths on the beer.
> It is covered with an electric thermometer in it to keep the boil temp
> right. I then cool the wert by emersing the pot in cold water in the
> sink and adding ice. I then pump the beer into the primary fermenter
> (Also cleaned with the above process just before brewing). at 1 week,
> I do the same cleaning and move to a secondary fermenter. I make sure
> my fermentation temp is within range at all times.
>
> On bottling day, I clean my bottling bucket and flush all my bottles
> with one step. I then taste the beer. Tastes terrible.. Like plastic
> or a bitter medicin. A Harsh, soapy taste.. I go ahead and bottle
> anyway hoping it is just the priming sugars making it taste like that.
> Come the 2 week period, I have a terrible tasting drink that will make
> your gut hurt with just a few sips..
>
> Any thoughts anyone? Is it possible to be TO carefull cleaning or
> clean too much?
>
> Thanks for all your help.. I'm ready to give up but trying one last
> call for help!
>[/color]