kegging conundrum

[captain carrot]

I brew 10 gallon batches and split it between 2 kegs. Occasionally I notice the second keg is slightly darker and a bit sweeter than the first. I flush the kegs with Co2 before filling and force carbonate.
Any ideas why this happens

[DannyW]

Second keg that you fill, or second keg that you drink?

If the second keg has been aging some weeks longer than the first, then more yeast and haze will have time to drop out, making it look darker (less pale matter in there reflecting light back at you) and the balance should move toward malt somewhat as the yeast has its own bitter flavor (or is hanging on to some of the hop bitterness) that has fallen out later on.

[captain carrot]

Second keg that you fill, or second keg that you drink?

If the second keg has been aging some weeks longer than the first, then more yeast and haze will have time to drop out, making it look darker (less pale matter in there reflecting light back at you) and the balance should move toward malt somewhat as the yeast has its own bitter flavor (or is hanging on to some of the hop bitterness) that has fallen out later on.

It would be the second keg of the batch to be put on tap. Good point about the yeast. I guess some further maturation may be going on while the second keg sits waiting to be tapped.
Thanks Brotha!

[slanted & enchanted]

suspended yeast can cause a bitter flavor, so maybe he's right. that first keg may have some yeast still swimming around in there!