Infection ?

[KlosterFocke]

Here's the situation:
Brewed an IPA 3 weeks ago, and fermentation didn't start for almost 3 days (WLP001, juiced wort w/ O2 several times, high 50's temp). When fermentation DID take off, it went batshit and boiled vigorously for 8-9 days, blowing the airlock and redecorating the closet. Switched to a blowoff tube and blew out another quart or so of schmoo before it settled. Racked to secondary 3 days ago with a gravity of 1.016, and it tasted OK. This morning, I'm seeing several pretty white pellicles forming on the top of my beer. Am I about to enter into the realm of lambic IPA ? Any thoughts? I'm going to ride it out and see what happens, but it doesn't look good. I'm probably bagholed......

[Sent From My iPhone]

I'm probably bagholed......

Curse of the Rat Pad strikes again

[chrishw]

the hops from the IPA can cover up most small infections- If it is done fermenting (at final gravity) I say crash it and drink it!

The combination of lower temps and the alcohol will inhibit some of the possible bacteria growth.

I guess I'm saying that the question *if* this is infected is moot! In fact a little sourness might enhance the hop bitterness.

Enjoy!

[mach5]

Yeah, I don't think a sour IPA will be good. I'd say ride it out and see what happens but if you have a pellicle it doesn't sound good. Maybe try to rack from under the goo, crash cool it and drink it as soon as possible. Good luck.

[Whitebeard_Brewer]

And if ya don't wanna do that, you can send it to the disposal team.

[Grist Licker]

So what happened, KlosterFocke? You bagholed on that one?

I taught a few buddies how to brew a few weeks ago using my equipment. Their batches are in my fermentors in my fermentation chest freezer. One of the batches has that white pellicle going on. I guess I'm getting lax; this is my first infection that I am aware of. It sucks it has to happen to my buddy's first batch of beer. I'm hoping I have a benign infection that will not affect flavor. I'm curious as to how your batch turned out.