Dry Hop Infection or Just Oily Residue?

[bmberger21]

I dry hopped my beer five days ago now with 3 ounces of pellet hops. After two days the hops began to settle off of the surface of the beer and it seemed to leave behind a whiteish oily film on top with bubbles up to a half inch in diameter that didn't go away. My question is, is it possible that this is just oily residue and hop matter/breakdown creating this thin film of oil and these stationary bubbles on top of the beer or is it most likely infected? Also, I did not use a hop bag, I just tossed em straight in there and I sanitized the packaging they came in before I cut the packaging open to pour out the hops.


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[bmberger21]

I dry hopped my beer five days ago now with 3 ounces of pellet hops. After two days the hops began to settle off of the surface of the beer and it seemed to leave behind a whiteish oily film on top with bubbles up to a half inch in diameter that didn't go away. My question is, is it possible that this is just oily residue and hop matter/breakdown creating this thin film of oil and these stationary bubbles on top of the beer or is it most likely infected? Also, I did not use a hop bag, I just tossed em straight in there and I sanitized the packaging they came in before I cut the packaging open to pour out the hops.


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[masonsjax]

Take a sample to see how it smells and tastes. If it's good, bottle it up.

 

[dobe12]

It's highly unlikely that it's an infection. If you are concerned, take a pic and post it. But like masonsjax said, pull some off, give it a smell and taste. I'm sure it's fine though.

 

[bmberger21]

I haven't taken one and I'm not at home right now but I found a picture online that looks close to what I'm talking about. See image:


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[dobe12]

Looks ok to me. Some hops, CO2 forming, etc. Nothing worry about.

 

[hopbrad]

hops are antimicrobial and used to help keep things from spoiling, so it should just be the hop oils, i wouldnt worry about it unless it smells/tastes weird.
ive noticed an oily layer on many of my IPAs. Usually when i dry hop there will be a layer of hop trub that floats on top for 4-5 days, then it starts to settle out.

 

[bmberger21]

That's good to hear. I know this is a silly question, with all the people drinking sour ales now, but if it were infected would it be harmful to consume? Also, when I sample it for infection, what kind of off flavors am I looking for?


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[bmberger21]

What sort of off flavors am I looking for if it did become infected?


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[masonsjax]

It is safe to consume, although you might not enjoy it depending on the type of infection. You'd notice some sourness, maybe vinegar, tartness, bandaids, burnt rubber, vomit, feces, barnyard, goat, etc. The list goes on. Some of those flavors are highly sought after. Unfortunately, based on the picture I dont think you'll find any in your beer.

 

[bmberger21]

Excellent. Thanks fellas for the quick responses. I need to keg this tonight and was definitely needing some feedback. Have a good one!


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[CanAusBrewer]

How did it turn out? My IPA is looking very similar after dry hopping with 100 g of hops in a sack. The bubbles don't burst. Did it taste ok?