National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => All Grain Brewing => Topic started by: Endatheworld on May 08, 2014, 08:49:47 PM

Title: Possible Infection
Post by: Endatheworld on May 08, 2014, 08:49:47 PM
I think I know the answer to this but does this look like an infection?

http://s102.photobucket.com/user/endamquinn/slideshow/Infection (http://s102.photobucket.com/user/endamquinn/slideshow/Infection)

You can see from the pictures that there is a scummy white track from the bung right the way into the top of the beer! I have never seen anything like this before and dont know if I can do anything to save it? Anybody any experience of this? Any ideas of what to do next?
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Eoin on May 08, 2014, 09:00:01 PM
Could be hop oils, infection is normally silky looking.
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Eoin on May 08, 2014, 09:01:19 PM
Take a sample to taste it. That'll put your mind at ease.
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Endatheworld on May 08, 2014, 09:27:59 PM
Thx Eoin, I will give it a taste.  I have seen similar white patches on top of the beer before but the white track down the side of the carboy from the bung is what worried me?

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/endamquinn/Infection/IMG_2729_zpsc56eaf7e.jpg (http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/endamquinn/Infection/IMG_2729_zpsc56eaf7e.jpg)

I have never seen that before.
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Will_D on May 08, 2014, 09:42:44 PM
That looks like that when you poured in the yeast some of hit the neck and streaked down the side of the carboy!

I do it now and again - called "not concentrating" if < 50 years old.

What you are > 60 y.o. then it has all sorts of medical names!

So in a few years time I will be brewing:

Alzheimers Ale: What the Eff did I put in it as I've forgotten!

Parkinsons Pale: No need for a stir plate for this!

Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Chris on May 08, 2014, 10:39:26 PM

Quote from: Will_D on May 08, 2014, 09:42:44 PM
That looks like that when you poured in the yeast some of hit the neck and streaked down the side of the carboy!

Agreed happens to me all the time
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Endatheworld on May 09, 2014, 05:44:07 PM
Thanks all for your help. Just freaked out a bit when I saw it. Never used a glass carboy before as I have always used plastic fermenters. Its good to be able to see your beer but has its disadvantages. See no evil hear no evil! ;)
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Eoin on May 09, 2014, 08:11:07 PM
Quote from: Endatheworld on May 09, 2014, 05:44:07 PM
Thanks all for your help. Just freaked out a bit when I saw it. Never used a glass carboy before as I have always used plastic fermenters. Its good to be able to see your beer but has its disadvantages. See no evil hear no evil! ;)

Did you taste it yet?
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Endatheworld on May 10, 2014, 04:35:48 PM
Eoin, I took a sample and it tastes fine.  I have no idea how an infection would taste anyway but I assume i would know if i tasted it! Ready to bottle now.
Title: Re: Possible Infection
Post by: Eoin on May 10, 2014, 04:41:20 PM
Quote from: Endatheworld on May 10, 2014, 04:35:48 PM
Eoin, I took a sample and it tastes fine.  I have no idea how an infection would taste anyway but I assume i would know if i tasted it! Ready to bottle now.


The key is the taste really, vinegar, sour, cardboard, burnt rubber all infection tastes.