StillSmart

The drums are hdpe same as fermenting bins sold at the hbs as far as I know. Can't see that being the source of the problem unless there was something left over from the manufacturing process.

That was my basic, non-scientific, conclusion. The barrels were certified as 'food grade' but if left closed there was a faint chemical/solvent smell upon opening despite thorough cleaning and drying before being closed. My 'new' FVs have no such problems

AM

"something left over from the manufacturing process."

I get the feeling this has happened more than once reading AM posts so I discounted this tooo.

V strange.