Rubber Bung taste?

[dizidave]

Hi,

I have made a couple of wines now (an apple and raisin, and an elderberry) and in my fermenter / racking process have used a 5 gallon DJ (Betabottle) with a rubber bung.

In both cases (the apple more than the elderberry) im sure i can get a taste / aroma of rubber from the bung??

Is this normal / common or am i imagining it?

If im honest i find that rubber smells awful and having a hint of it in the wine is off putting.

Any ideas / suggestions to avoid?

I was thinking about wrapping the bung in some cling film before putting it in teh neck of the DJ????

thanks, Dave.

 

[Mark1964]

use cork

 

[MostlyHarmless]

I had a kit red which had a bit of a taste like you describe. I left the bottles for a few months, and when I came back to it, it was much improved. Time heals.