I started two batches if apfelwein about 8 months ago, and they have been sitting in my closet since then. I am excited because I have never aged apfelwein past 3 or 4 months, but I am worried because the only reason I have made it this far is because I haven't been brewing at all and have possibly neglected these two batches a bit too much. Here is why I am concerned about each batch.
First batch: Apfelwein bubbled into the airlock during ferrmentation. I did nothing about it, and there didn't appear to be an issue (a visible one) after three or so months, but now there is a ring of mold (about as thick a a straw) around the inside of the airlock. The apfelwein looks fine, though.
Second batch: I'm not sure if the airlock has a leak, but I noticed several times that the liquid in the airlock was too low and had to add some. I have not been checking them often at all, so there is a possibility that the liquid (diluted starsan) was low for a few weeks. Again, though, the apfelwein looks fine.
So, what do you think? Should I just taste them?
First batch: Apfelwein bubbled into the airlock during ferrmentation. I did nothing about it, and there didn't appear to be an issue (a visible one) after three or so months, but now there is a ring of mold (about as thick a a straw) around the inside of the airlock. The apfelwein looks fine, though.
Second batch: I'm not sure if the airlock has a leak, but I noticed several times that the liquid in the airlock was too low and had to add some. I have not been checking them often at all, so there is a possibility that the liquid (diluted starsan) was low for a few weeks. Again, though, the apfelwein looks fine.
So, what do you think? Should I just taste them?
