Forgot about a beer...

[head7l]

I know, I know. But it happened.

I made a Kolsch that I totally misjudged the final volume on and ended up making what can only be described as an Imperial Kolsch. I was downtrodden but figured RDW etc. So I racked it to secondary and tucked it away in a corner and have forgotten about it until the other day.

I noticed that it has some sort stringy white film om the top (Camera issues currently preventing a picture). There is no green or black mold in there...but the white schmutz has me concerned.

Should I even waste the effort to bottle it or just go ahead and dump it?

 

[Skyforger]

It could be acetobacter, or it could just be the top-fermenting yeast rising to the surface. Different strains look different, so it's hard to say. Don't pitch it unless you're sure it's undrinkable. Only way to be sure is to drink some of it; take a sample, see what it's like. Smell it first, just in case there's something really off.

 

[avidhomebrewer]

I wouldn't dump it yet. I had a brew that I bottled and let age for about 2 months, tried it and it tasted like crap. Let it age a bit longer, tasted great. Don't dump it until you are absolutely sure it can't be saved.

Is it ready to package? If so, I would do it soon.

 

[markg388]

I had a kolsch once with that same membrane, and I too was concerned.

It came out great, I entered it into a competition and it scored a 43 and won best in show.... so keep that beer!