Anyone recognize this growth?

[sativen]

Just about to transfer a beer and noticed this growth on top. Anyone recognize it? I've asked several of my sour brewing friends and they're all baffled.

This isn't a microscope, just a straight shot from my phone.

Thanks.
Steve

 

[JonM]

Definitely a pellicle of some sort. Looks like some lacto pictures I've seen.

 

[m00ps]

the one time I had a ramen noodle pellicle it was from soup that was left on the stove, open overnight

 

[sativen]

I should have added, it smells and tastes fine. It's been sitting in the fermenter for 3-4 weeks.

 

[GuldTuborg]

Great picture! Looks mesmerizing. I haven't the foggiest what it is, but I hope your beer still tastes good.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Those are fantastic with some oxtail broth, rare steak, bean sprouts, thai basil, bit of lime, and a touch of hoisin and sriracha.

 

[sativen]

I'm going to take it to a brewery with a lab. This batch was supposed to go in a barrel, so I'm not risking anything.

 

[IslandLizard]

Well, it's definitely infected, and the bacteria are in your beer. The pellicle was grown by them to prevent air (oxygen) and other competitors from intruding. It only forms in the presence of oxygen (air). Large headspace in a secondary possibly?

I'd say it's lactobacillus.

 

[beergolf]

It is definitely infected. Ther is no way to tell what it is without a microscope and a degree in microbiology.

 

[Moose_MI]

Someone washed their poodle in your fermenter ...

 

[sativen]

It is definitely infected. Ther is no way to tell what it is without a microscope and a degree in microbiology.

I don't have one, but thankfully I have know the right people.
Turn out it's Pichia membranifaciens. Rare enough, but apparently present in that beer. And as of a week ago, present in the city sewer.

 

[beergolf]

wow, I am impressed. Having someone identify it. Very cool.