Drunken-Sailor
Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2013
- Messages
- 9
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Okay, I've been stalking the site for a bit, but just now registered because I need help. I've never made alcohol of any kind in my life, but I have been curious for several years. Although I am primarily a beer drinker I thought 'Joe's Ancient Orange' mead would be a nice way for me to stick my toe in the water and things are...not going well, I don't think.
I started making the mead on Friday, and today when I when to take a peak I noticed a fruit fly attempting to find a way in (unsuccessfully), so I took a whif, and boy, it smelled like rotting fruit. The foam on top was a a brownish color, so I opened it up and got my nose in there to confirm the smell of rotting oranges.
I tried this in particular because I did not want to buy a lot of expensive equipment and supplies only to find that this hobby isn't for me. I didn't use a proper carboy, nor a proper airlock, so that may be the cause of my trouble, perhaps someone could confirm.
I used a glass jar, 1 gallon size that used to be sold in grocery stores for condiments such a mayonnaise, ketchup and the like. I washed it by hand with dish liquid, then washed it in the dish washer, and finally used a small amount to bleach and rinsed it well before use. I then put a zip lock bag and rubber band over the mouth. I realize this is a bit unorthodox, but I thought it would suffice. I made sure to rinse my orange well, and used a fresh stick of cinnamon and fresh yeast. No other optional ingredients were used.
Should I just dump the must and start anew? I have since ordered a couple of airlocks and I have a 1 gallon carboy (old large glass vinegar bottle). Thanks in advance!
I started making the mead on Friday, and today when I when to take a peak I noticed a fruit fly attempting to find a way in (unsuccessfully), so I took a whif, and boy, it smelled like rotting fruit. The foam on top was a a brownish color, so I opened it up and got my nose in there to confirm the smell of rotting oranges.
I tried this in particular because I did not want to buy a lot of expensive equipment and supplies only to find that this hobby isn't for me. I didn't use a proper carboy, nor a proper airlock, so that may be the cause of my trouble, perhaps someone could confirm.
I used a glass jar, 1 gallon size that used to be sold in grocery stores for condiments such a mayonnaise, ketchup and the like. I washed it by hand with dish liquid, then washed it in the dish washer, and finally used a small amount to bleach and rinsed it well before use. I then put a zip lock bag and rubber band over the mouth. I realize this is a bit unorthodox, but I thought it would suffice. I made sure to rinse my orange well, and used a fresh stick of cinnamon and fresh yeast. No other optional ingredients were used.
Should I just dump the must and start anew? I have since ordered a couple of airlocks and I have a 1 gallon carboy (old large glass vinegar bottle). Thanks in advance!