Expert: John Snyder - 3/9/2009

Question
Hi,

I haven't been brewing too long, but I've probably done about 6 batches of beer. I just bottled a Red Ale about two weeks ago. When I taste/smell it, it has a taste of bananas?? Why is that?? Is it an infection in the beer??

Answer
No it's not an infection.It's a fruity character(esters) found in some ales.the banana aroma/flavor is an example.

Cause:Higher fermentation temperature
     certain yeast strains
     poor aeration of wort before pitching the yeast

Remedy:ferment your beer at the correct temperature,according to
      style and yeast strain
      aerate wort thoroughly before pitching yeast
      research on whatever yeast strain you are using


                     John