Initial Fermentation

[hulsey24]

Do yall use an airlock for the initial fermentation?? Or do you just cover it with cloth or something? IF I used a bucket would there need to be a lid on it or just cover with cheese cloth and secure?

 

[Yooper]

I cover my primaries with a clean towel, or a loose fitting cover, to keep fruitflies and the like out. I also stir a couple of times a day for the first 5 days or so, so it's convenient to do that in a bucket.

 

[2ndGenBrewer]

I've heard both sides here at HBT. I prefer to ferment with a airlock. Then again I'm paranoid about contamination after my first spoiled batch. Really I think it's a matter of preference.
I airiate real well at time of yeast pitching and don't touch it till the gravity bottoms out and I always get to 1.000 and below. Again what floats your boat. I've only done a dozen meads and half a dozen wines. I know yooper has years more experience then I do.