msa8967

Recipes 

Made a 2 liter starter yesterday from a brand new (unopened) bag of DME. Checked this tonight and found a bee in pieces (bug not the letter) being swirled by my stir plate. We are finishing winter here and there are no bug around yet so I am 99% sure this had to have come from the DME. I was able to use a sanitized spoon to remove as much of the bee as I could see.

Should I throw the starter out? How about the DME? Should I just not worry about it and go on with the brew?

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Mick Arnett
North Liberty, Iowa
"Beer will change the world. I don't know how, but it will."

Sulli

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I'd have some concern for the possibility of wild yeast being introduced to your starter.
If it were me, I would ferment out as normal, but be sure to give the starter the smell and taste test afterwards.
Who knows maybe you'll end up with a totally unique tasting beer.

Dynachrome

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I've heard they don't drink much....

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Clicky: It will be beer

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I drink therefore I am.

BPhad

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Did you boil the DME? If yes I would think it may seem gross but will be fine.

msa8967

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I have to admit that I have never tasted starter before to know what I might be looking for in this situation to know if it is OK or not.

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Mick Arnett
North Liberty, Iowa
"Beer will change the world. I don't know how, but it will."

msa8967

Recipes 

I boiled the DME for 10-15 minutes before chilling and then pitching the yeast. I am not sure if this would be long enough.

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Mick Arnett
North Liberty, Iowa
"Beer will change the world. I don't know how, but it will."

beerspitnight

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Lucky, lucky bee...

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Dirty City Brewing Collective
"American Beer with Socialist Characteristics"
Primary 1 - Year of the Snake Stout
Primary 2 - Liam's Celebration Rye Ale 2013
Keg 1 -American XXXXXIPA- Keg 2 -Honey Porter Keg 3 - Sanitizer
On Deck Black IPA -

msa8967

Recipes 

Maybe I should call this batch "Bee Leave It or Not" Pale Ale.

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Mick Arnett
North Liberty, Iowa
"Beer will change the world. I don't know how, but it will."

william_shakes_beer

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How come you didn't notice the bee parts when you boiled the starter? Check through the extract bag to see if there are any more parts. Your vender is going to want to know if their DME is bad. Perhaps use a fine sifter. Did you cap the starter vessel with sanitized foil? I don't see how an insect could get into a starter unless it was left open topped.

Poobah58

Recipes 

Are you doing a starter without a top> A least put some foil over the opening.

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Mead Lane Brewing
The liver is evil and must be punished