Slimey threads

firstbrew · Pilsener Joined: 19 Nov 2001 Posts: 22

Hi, I am not sure if this is what has happened, but I remember reading about
slimey threads on the top of the beer when transferred into the bottleing bucket is hte sign of infection
can someone clarify this for me ? thanks

jwkempo · Joined: 13 Mar 2001 Posts: 8

Sound like you picked up a bacterial infection. Those "rope like jelly strands" are a sure sighn.

firstbrew · Pilsener Joined: 19 Nov 2001 Posts: 22

i only noted maybe one or two, what should I do, toss it and start over ,
or will the effects be at a min. ? thanks again.

BillyBock · Moderator Joined: 31 Dec 2000 Posts: 561 Location: Ohio

Yep, sounds like infection allright. I had my first infection the other week after two years of brewing. I think it was the same type of infection as yours. At the top of the carboy I saw jellyfish-looking things with stringy tendrils hanging down. And then there was the smell--oh it smelled terrible. I was sadly disappointed and tossed it. All that work down the drain--it was an all-grain Porter.

firstbrew · Pilsener Joined: 19 Nov 2001 Posts: 22

Well last night I went home and moved my beer back into a 2nd ferm. when
sphioning I did notice any threads or sign on infection. This being my first batch
I guess I am a little paranoid of all the things i have read so far. The beer
still smells ok, and I am gonna let it sit for another week before bottleing.
Do you think if I had an infection that I would still see the "threads"? and would notice
a change in smell >? thanks for the help, FB

jwkempo · Joined: 13 Mar 2001 Posts: 8

Well...if u think it's not infected, the beer smells and looks ok, continue with the process. I've picked up one infection in my brewing time. Wild yeast...beer smelled bad and tasted worse. If it's a five gallon batch and u lose it..that's not too bad. See how it tastes. Maybe have a friend try it before u do! Good luck.