opening the container to sneak a smell?

I am sure I am overthinking this, but I am curious if it is alright to sneak a peek and a smell of the brew. I am semi-worried that oxygen could get in etc. I ferment in one of these.



Hopefully my curiosity hasn't been hurting the beer at all. When I have sneaked a smell and a peek I normally opened the larger spin cap and just peered in.

I know there is something about a CO2 layer being built up, and I understand that not much could hurt it within the first few days of fermentation, but could it possibly be hurt after a week or two of sitting in the primary and me doing this?

I can't help it its just so darn mesmerizing

Thank you very much for all the help so far.

Patton

No, it will be fine. Just dont stir it up.

Is that food grade plastic? And are you using an airlock? As for taking a peek, the less you expose it to the elements the better off you will be, less risk of infection. But, after it has had a chance to create some alcohol you run less of a risk of contamination. The most prudent route to take is to let it be as much as possible, if you really need to take a peek just use common sense and good sanitary practices.

Cheers

I would minimize opening the lid before fermentation starts and after it dies down, but while the yeast are going at it, it's pretty safe.

Yeah, its food grade #2 HDPE BPA free. I couldn't get around to drilling for a grommet so I just used the balloon method and it seemed to work fine. I've done it on a few of my wine experiment batches and haven't had any off flavors( from the balloon haha). I just put the balloon where you would let air out if one was to pour it.

But the general consensus seems to not do it to much, so I will let it sit for a couple more weeks untouched.

Thanks for the speedy responses!

Patton

So......did you peak? We all do!

If it's got an airlock, you could sniff that....

Have a little patience. Don't open the lid. You're only risking infection. Just smell the airlock like the rest of us.

Not really sure how you ferment your beer in a small white box with a red X on it.

Oh wait... picture isn't loading for me.

+1 on sniffing the airlock. If it's not bubbling, just press down on the lid a bit to push a little air through the lock. Works every time.

gabrewer said:

+1 on sniffing the airlock. If it's not bubbling, just press down on the lid a bit to push a little air through the lock. Works every time.

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Don't push down on the lid or it'll suck water back from your airlock. This is a good way to get infected water into your beer. If you fill your airlock with vodka like a lot of people on here then it's no big deal.

This thread is timely as I just sniffed the airlock of my second batch. It smells nice and somewhat sweet (MW Big Ben Pale Ale).