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yeast film

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beninak

NewBee
Registered Member
Mar 22, 2007
385
1
0
Anchorage, AK
One thing that I've noticed about nearly all my meads that are in the "bulk aging" phase is that they develop some sort of filmy sort of residue up at the top of the carboy on the surface of the mead. Whenever I thieve out a sample for tasting or analysis and the volume level drops a little bit, the residue leaves a little "ring-around-the-carboy" mark. Is this normal? Doesnt necessarily look too appetizing...
 

wildaho

Got Mead? Patron
GotMead Patron
May 22, 2007
858
1
0
McCall, ID
wildaho.blogspot.com
Doesnt necessarily look too appetizing...

Unless there are little dendrites hanging off of it (making it look like a jelly fish or something), I wouldn't worry too much about it. Most of your yeast will settle to the bottom but some will inevitably hang around on the top. It gets trapped in the surface tension and can't fall down. Hence, the "ring around the collar".

So, unless it starts growing tentacles or green fuzzy stuff, I wouldn't worry about it too much! A taste will usually tell you if you have anything to worry about.
 

TheBruce

NewBee
Registered Member
Aug 24, 2007
87
0
0
I have experienced this with my blueberry mel made with Red Star Cote des Blancs. I haven't seen this at all with D-47 or 71b. It has been like that for about 4 months in bulk aging. I give it a visual every so often and it hasn't changed. I figure I'll just filter it when I bottle.

From what I have read it can happen that way and if it's bad you'll probably see, smell, and/or taste something fairly obviously... bad. That said, please note my "Meadmaker since 2007" tag... others probably have much more experience.
 

GrantLee63

NewBee
Registered Member
Feb 19, 2006
523
1
0
65
Clarkston, MI
I've only noticed this on one of the meads I've made - Wrath's Chocolate Acerglyn Aphrodisiac. The last time I racked it in early November, it tasted awesome so I'm obviously not worried about it !

BTW, MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!! :cheers:

- GL63
 
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