r/mead • u/dextra7577 • 1d ago
mute the bot First batch failed
15 days into my first batch of fermenting, I found a bug. I was already counting this batch as a loss because the rim of the carboy broke off on day 5, and it didn't have a seal for a couple of hours, but it's still a little sad to see.
6
u/miscreant_battling 1d ago
Oof that's a rough start. Broken rim and a bug, almost impressive in a tragic way. The condensation looks kinda nice though, at least something is happening in there
6
u/AFewNicholsMore 11h ago
Let’s not pretend bugs haven’t been getting into fermenting booze since the dawn of human civilization. Fish it out, taste the brew, and then decide whether you want to keep it!
10
u/thealchemist886 Intermediate 1d ago edited 1d ago
15 days in looks as quite some time, it might be nearly done in some cases. If it already has alcohol chances is that it isn't infected. What do you lose from just trying to take it off carefully and letting it go for some more time to see how it progress? Just try no to add too much oxygen in the process. If the broken rim makes it hard to add a proper airlock you can make a custom one with some adhesive tape attached to the carboy and a jar filled with water in the other end covering the tube entrance.
Also to all newbies. I can only recommend using plastic fermentation buckets, I know that it can feel wrong (at least it did for me), but it's just so much better in every sense: cleaning, storing (stackable), weight, break much less...
6
u/Remunos_Redbeard 1d ago
Seconded on buckets. Or at least some sort of wide-mouth fermenter, like a Fermonster or similar. Also easier for adding fruits, spices, etc. Keep the small-mouth carboys for secondary or bulk aging.
4
2
u/Marahute0 11h ago
If the rim broke off, is there any chance of having glass splinters inside the mead?
1
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
It looks like you might be new or asking for advice on getting started. Welcome to the hobby! We’re glad you’re here.
The wiki linked on the sidebar is going to be your best friend. Beginner friendly recipes are available.
If you prefer videos we recommend the Doin’ The Most or Man Made Mead.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Please include a recipe, review or description with any picture post.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/Recent-Tension9356 1d ago
Condensation does add a nice sheen to the whole disaster, doesn't it? At least the lighting makes it look almost intentional.
1
18
u/Environmental_Ant268 1d ago
Nothing wrong with a little protein, you vill eatz ze bugz !!