Pellicle question

[jrgtr42]

So I have a question,
This isn't my first rodeo, even in the sour areas. I have a recipe I made before, and redid it,
my numbers were pretty close, the brew day and primary fermentation went normal, then I racked over and pitched my bugs - Imperial Yeast Sour Batch Kids, plus dregs off a couple bottles I've had in between.
This was last September, and I am still not seeing a pellicle form. I have it sstored in my cellar, so it's roughly in the mid 50s. I think that's what the last batch was, roughly.
It seems to be souring OK, I didn't taste any last time, so I don't know the progressions.
I normally go by RDWHAHB, So I presume I'm OK doing that again?
TL/DR; my question is: Do I have to worry about a pellicle NOT developing on a sour beer?

 

[chrilr]

No. Pellicle=o2 ingress

 

[cactusgarrett]

No. Pellicle=o2 ingress

This. If you've performed O2 minimizing techniques (good transfers, minimal headspace, etc.) you might not get a pellicle. No biggie. One could likely form once you start sampling or adding dregs.

 

[chrilr]

I usually see them firm in the fall/winter, when the temps cool off and the liquid contracts.

 

[6midgets]

No. Pellicle=o2 ingress

is it a rule of thumb that if you have a pellicle then you have some oxygen ingress?

 

[cactusgarrett]

I don't think I'd call it a "rule" but the pellicle is a result of O2 being present at SOME point, even in minuscule amounts. Reasons why are still debated, though. Check it:

http://www.milkthefunk.com/wiki/Pellicle

 

[6midgets]

I don't think I'd call it a "rule" but the pellicle is a result of O2 being present at SOME point, even in minuscule amounts. Reasons why are still debated, though. Check it:

http://www.milkthefunk.com/wiki/Pellicle

So pellicle or no pellicle if you've taken the appropriate steps to minimize oxygen ingress your beer should be fine.

 

[Miraculix]

No. Pellicle=o2 ingress

This is a myth popping up here and there but actually, from a scientific perspective, we do not really have a real clue what makes the organisms grow a pelicle. So either way, if it tastes like it should, it's good. That's what matters.

 

[cactusgarrett]

if you've taken the appropriate steps to minimize oxygen ingress your beer should be fine.

Exactly. The presence of a pellicle is normal. The absence of one doesn't mean anything negative. Don't sweat it.