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Amity · 10-07-2009, 03:39 AM

I have 3 gallons of Belgian Golden Strong Ale that has developed a pellicle. I've seen it before, and have successfully racked under it. I tried that this time, and it's in secondary now. The white film is returning.

Can I kill this infection by freezing my beer? I'd intended to bottle this, but can keg it just as easily.

What do you think?

Suthrncomfrt1884 · 10-07-2009, 01:18 PM

I wouldn't suggest bottling anything that has an infection unless you're positive you've killed it.

Add some Potassium Metabisulfite (Campden) and hope it helps.

Amity · 10-08-2009, 12:19 AM

Yeah, I won't bottle if it's infected. I've had a hefeweizen with this particular white powdery layer on top before, and it didn't create any off-flavours. Hopefully the same with this.

Anyone else?

Suthrncomfrt1884 · 10-08-2009, 12:31 AM

White and powdery doesn't always mean it's infected. Chances are, you were seeing yeast and krausen.

Amity · 10-08-2009, 12:49 AM

I don't think so... The beer is now in a secondary vessel and is growing the same white powdery film again. I don't think it's yeast, but bacterial.

SteveM · 10-08-2009, 01:52 AM

I've seen something like that in a friend's brew. We skimmed it off and bottled. From the 50 or so resulting bottle, only one had an off taste.

The fact that this one turned out OK could mean nothing, but I would skim it and go ahead and bottle it.

Suthrncomfrt1884 · 10-08-2009, 03:44 AM

I'd really like to see a picture if you could get one. It may just be a mold. In that case, it probably wouldn't effect the taste or smell of the beer as long as you scoop it off fairly soon.

Noleafclover · 10-08-2009, 04:24 AM

Take a big swig and see what it tastes like...

Kidding of course. Infections suck man, hope it turns out okay for you.

Amity · 10-08-2009, 01:06 PM

I'll post a photo tonight.