Good or bad infection?

[j4babcock]

First time barrel brrewer here. I picked up an oak barrel from a local brewer who used it a few times for lambic style beers. He noted there's lots of Brett and other goodies in there. I'm three months into aging with an S-04 fermented ale and changed the airlock today, took a peek and found a white layer/film on the top. I've been doing some reading here but can't seem to find a similar looking situation. Is this a pellicle? Healthy infection from the bugs? I sampled it this weekend and it tastes and looks as it should.

Looking for some guidance from some fellow brewers. Cheers

 

[lumpher]

Doesn't look bad to me. I'd say it's the bugs doing what you want them to do. No disturbing colors or "hair".

 

[fluketamer]

i think its infected - but in a good way .

 

[mashpaddled]

There's no way to look at a pellicle and come to any kind of conclusion at what's in the beer or how the beer will turn out.

If the barrel was used for brewing previously and had a productive culture residing in the wood, chances are good you will continue to make good mixed fermentation beer in the barrel as long as you take care of the barrel.