Suitablilty of copper for parts of brew kit

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Sosh
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2005 1:00 pm

Suitablilty of copper for parts of brew kit

Post by Sosh »

Hi,

Just wondering what the general concensus was on using copper items in the brewing process, eg brew kettle or femerter. Stainless steel is just so expensive!

Thanks
BillyBock
Imperial Stout
Imperial Stout
Posts: 561
Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2000 11:37 am
Location: Ohio

Copper is OK

Post by BillyBock »

Sosh: Copper is ok for plumbing use on the pre-fermentation side of things in the mash/lauter tun, boil kettle, hot liquor tank, chillers, etc. Many homebreweries are hard-plumbed with copper. It is a trace nutrient for yeast. However, once you have finished beer, I would steer away from any long-term exposure to metal (copper, brass, etc.) as it will taint the brew with a metallic flavor. So during fermentation, serving, etc. I would stay with food-grade plastics or stainless steel. Does that help?


Check out http://www.howtobrew.com
Sosh
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Apr 15, 2005 1:00 pm

Post by Sosh »

Yeah thanks, that clears things up nicely.
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