Am i in trouble?

[georgeC24]

Hi everyone, newb here. I syphoned my cider from one of these brewing buckets to another a couple of weeks ago after fermenting for a few weeks in the original one, everything was sterilised. Ive just come to start bottling it to age and noticed this film on the top, as far as smell it smells like cider, as dar as taste its a little tart but not terrible and its still fairly young, just wondering if its safe and worth bottling basically.

thanks all!

 

[Yooper]

Yes, possibly. Once the the fermentation has slowed/ended, if you rack to another vessel, it should be with no headspace, and a narrow opening like a carboy, not a wide bucket with headspace. Did you use any sulfites? If so, it may possibly be ok but it does look suspicious. Next time, use a carboy for secondary or package when fermentation is done if you’re unable to do that.

 

[georgeC24]

Hi thanks for the response, no I didnt use any sulfites. There was a lot of conflicting advice when I was reading up on it and just went with the juice from my apples and some wine yeast. Was fine around a week ago, gutting if its all gotta be chucked! It takes some effort

 

[Whisky River]

It definitely looks like you’ve got the beginnings of a pellicle or something there. Not a great sign but maybe not the end of the batch either. Proceed based on your own research and risk tolerance but many people try to salvage what’s below the surface by racking from the bottom and leaving the top few inches of liquid behind. I think the general consensus is rack it soon and drink it fast because it won’t get any better with time but it might be fine for now.