Expert: John Snyder - 3/22/2009

Question
I live in a house that has been divided into 3 apartments. The tennant and landlord of the basement apartment brews his own beer. When he does it smells up my apartment with a skunk like burning smell. I would like to know if this is normal and if the odor is harmful at all. Always if there is anything I can do to eliminate the odor.

thanks, Garrett


Answer
The skunk like odor could be that of aroma hops.Essential oils are produced from aroma hops,during kettle boiling,and given off in the water vapors(steam),these vapors are not harmful.There is nothing you can do,nor should you have to do anything.The persons doing the brewing,could redirect those vapors into the process,thus eliminating the odor.Vapor odors from wort boiling are normal,and again,not harmful.

                 John