Star San contamination

[Minbari]

I thought SS is just dilute hydrogen peroxide? Maybe some phophoric acid as well both are harmless in dilute quantities and frequently used in FnB industries. It might have terminated the yeast.

IIRC star san doesnt last long when you have mixed it up - a few hours maybe then its inert (like peroxide)

There is no peroxide in it.

From Thier website:

Phosphoric acid: 50% of the ingredients in Star San
Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid: 15% of the ingredients in Star San

It will last a long time. As long as the ph remains below 2.5 or so. It is still good. i keep mine in a bucket for 6 months +

 

[Donoroto]

I put in only enough starsan to just cover the end of the blowoff tube. If it sucks back, the liquid level drops and lets air into the tube instead of liquid.

2 cups in 3 gallons? Probably fine.

 

[Flying Weasels Home Brewery]

Keep it!

I've been corresponding with the editor of BYO magazine about this topic. He pointed out Star-San says Don't fear the foam! It degrades to water. It's safe to consume and shouldn't affect the flavor or your beer... much.

 

[Cajunbubba]

I had this happen a few years back when I cold crashed. At that time I had a glass carboy and could see a half inch layer of the star sans floating on top of the beer. Why it did not disperse and mix in is not fully understood. I kegged it leaving that half inch layer behind. The beer won many awards and even a BOS. Go figure.

 

[Brewer #402217]

An in line Check valve fitted to your blow off will fix this.

 

[Minbari]

An in line Check valve fitted to your blow off will fix this.

check valves require a specific amount of pressure to open though. just make sure you get one that only requires 2-3 psi to open.

 

[Cruyf]

All, just to follow up. Cracked open my first 16 oz bottle of the bourbon Russian imperial stout that had some star-san solution contamination, and it was just fine. probably not my best batch, but that was unrelated. Still a very good RIS-bourbon. thanks for all of the feedback. Cheers!

 

[sikkingj]

Give this beer time to come into its own. If it is tasting fine now, in 3-6 months it will just be hitting its stride.

 

[Brew Cat]

If it makes you feel icky every time you have a glass I'd just dump it's only 3 gallons. I don't understand what you said above. If you're aging it it should be done fermenting so why do you still have a blow off tube in it.

 

[Brew Cat]

Sorry, didn't see your last post about it being done and drinking it. Enjoy