Is this mold?

[norrin2]

What is this powdery stuff on top of this batch of cider? It's odorless and looks a lot like something that was on top of my last batch of kombucha. I assumed it was mold and threw it out. But not only did I sanitize everything I don't use the same equipment for kombucha and alcoholic bevs. So how did it get in there? And what is it? Thanks.

 

[poptarts]

yeast?

 

[progmac]

that's not mold. maybe a bacterial (lacto) infection. maybe a wild yeast. i don't know that much about the different types of pellicles, but it is definitely not mold.

What was the source of the cider? If you're certain the cider was pasteurized, then you picked up an infection from the bucket perhaps.

 

[norrin2]

So would you drink it? The cider was from Trader Joe's and it was pasteurized.

 

[T-Wayne]

I would drink it.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right?

 

[progmac]

i would try it and see what you've got...but you already threw it away, right? or did i misunderstand?

 

[norrin2]

No, I've still got it. I threw out some kombucha with a similar powdery substance on top.

 

[progmac]

Unless it tastes of vinegar, i'd probably rack it to a carboy and let it age for a year or so.

And that bucket is done.