Lager starter tastes like cider!!

[TheLastSuppa]

I've been nurturing a starter of WLP830 for the last week in 5L of wort and now I've come to pitch it the beer tastes like cider.

Never noticed this before. Is it because I've aerated it every time I've looked at it or is it infected? Just about to pitch but not sure what to do! Maybe I stepped up too quick from vial to 5L !!!

I've poured the dodgy beer off the top and have got the yeast going again in some fresh wort. It smells ok! Should I pitch it???

[simco999]

AS long as its not off I'd pitch. 5 litres is a lot for a starter. Where did the wort come from??

[gnorwebthgimi]

Could be Acetaldehyde, I wouldn't worry so long as you did everything you could to reduce the risk of infection and there are no obvious signs that it is infected such as it smells of sewage etc.

Hope it works out.

[TheLastSuppa]

Thanks guys! Gonna pitch it.

AS long as its not off I'd pitch. 5 litres is a lot for a starter. Where did the wort come from??

Some wort from last brew in grolsh bottles in the fridge and some spraymalt. I'm gonna step it up more slowly next time.