How do you know if your starter is INFECTED?

[Jordan Logo]

I just went ahead and collected a slurry from my past brew so I was wondering if there was any way to tell if your slurry got infected during the transferring process from the primary to mason jar. I’d like to ask you guys before I make my next batch and add it in!

 

[Vale71]

You can't be 100% sure without plating but if it smells funky that's a sure sign that something is afoot.

 

[SanPancho]

As noted, without a lab you cant. So make a starter with it asap. If it dont smell like regular yeasty goodness then dump it and buy fresh pack. And do this before you hit the brewshop for your next batch of beer.

 

[Jordan Logo]

You can't be 100% sure without plating but if it smells funky that's a sure sign that something is afoot.

What smells are you exactly looking for?

As noted, without a lab you cant. So make a starter with it asap. If it dont smell like regular yeasty goodness then dump it and buy fresh pack. And do this before you hit the brewshop for your next batch of beer.

Ahaha good idea... I’d hate to make two trips.

 

[brownni5]

What smells are you exactly looking for?

You'll know it when you smell it.

But more specifically, band- aids, burnt rubber, vomit, other lovely descriptors of the like. And it might take months for those fine aromas to show up. Over the course of a week or so, you'd never know it. A pellicle might show up sooner.

As long as you're doing your best to stay sanitary, there's no reason to worry.

 

[NGD]

If your starter looks like its crawling out of the flask, you might have an infection.