So is it my tastebuds or is it my brewing?

[Snuff]

All of my stouts, without exception, have turned out great.
All my other beer has had different results based on the style.
I have never used any water treatment apart from ph5.2 stabiliser to sort out the alkalinity.
What would you suggest for a pale if the water is suited to stout?

[DEMPSEY]

Do you use campden tablets to treat your water by any chance. Overdoing the use of this tablet is common as alot of people have a tendency to think it cures all.

[Rossa]

Have you a water analysis at all? Where is your water from ? if you don't.

[Ciderhead]

Looking at this you get supplied from Poulaphouca if you are mains?
http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/waterservices/WaterSupply/WaterQuality/
I am guessing they would give you a report which will tell you the story.
I'm on a well myself but have heard for those on mains a lot of the chlorine will migrate out if water is left 24 hours before use even without Campden tablet?
Anybody else heard/practice this?

[Snuff]

Thanks for you views.
Never used campden tablets, except for wine, never treated my water, except for ph5.2 stabiliser.
I actually think it is my tastebuds but will have to bring along a few mixed bottles when we ever get a meet up sorted out.

[DEMPSEY]

The darker malts used for brewing stouts can handle carbonates better than pale malts. You should try treating your water after you have determined the level of carbonate you have. I have a kit for testing it. pm me and I will meet up with you to test it.

[Spud395]

A simple test, next time you're brewing a pale beer pre-boil your liquor and let it cool, rack it off the solids and precede as normal