off flavours using protofloc copper finings

[the wheelwright]

Hi, I'm a new member so forgive me if I'm going over old ground. After brewing more than 500 gallons using irish moss copper finings I have tried two ten gallon brews using Brupaks Protofloc. The first produced weird quatermass growths but the result was good ( although reduced in volume due to leaving the alien behind after syphoning) and I have just POURED AWAY the second as it tasted horribly 'medicinal', the first time in years of grain brewing that I have chucked out any ale. Does anyone have similar experience or advice? I used the stuff as per Brupaks instructions.

[Stonechat]

Not keen on the Brupaks Protafloc granules and others have expressed this view. I used Irish Moss for over 300 brews, but am now converted to Protafloc tablets manufactured by Murphys. Others swear by Whirlfloc tablets, which seem to be very similar to Protafloc tablets.
However I'm not sure that the medicinal flavour can be blamed on the Brupaks granules

[steve_flack]

Nope, use protafloc tablets in all my brews and have no problems with it. 'Medicinal' sounds like phenols to me - do you remove the chlorine from your brewing water?

[Northern Brewer]

I have just POURED AWAY the second as it tasted horribly 'medicinal', the first time in years of grain brewing that I have chucked out any ale.

At what stage did you pour it away? I'm a recent Whirfloc convert and haven't noticed any strange tastes because of it.

This may help... http://www.howtobrew.com/section4/chapter21-2.html

[the wheelwright]

Thanks, everyone. My water prep seems to be at fault. Whilst phenols taste good in Islay malts, they have not place in India Pale Ale! Cheers, lads. Ken