white film on top of Holiday Ale

[pruple]

I brewed my Holiday Ale several weeks ago. I let it be in the primary for 2 weeks, transferred it to the secondary. I would say that it has been in there for 3 weeks. I noticed tonight that there is a white film on top. I plan on bottling on Friday after Thanksgiving. Just wanted to make sure that it was ok. This is only my 4th batch still a newbie. It's also the first beer that I have put into the secondary. Thank you.

 

[Yooper]

It's hard to tell from a picture. If that film wasn't there two weeks ago, but it's there now I'd be worried about it. You shouldn't have any floaters on the surface at this point, unless fermentation wasn't finished and it's krausen kicked up from racking.

 

[Polboy]

i have to say it doesnt look good, do you have gravity readings for this beer?

 

[g-star]

Flat, white, floating sheets that appear well after fermentation is over usually means infection.

 

[pruple]

Will it be ok to bottle? If I siphon from below that film?

 

[hamiltont]

Try a taste. If it tastes okay bottle it & keep them all in the fridge to stave off further infection & exploding bottles. Cheers!!!

 

[Yooper]

Will it be ok to bottle? If I siphon from below that film?

Probably. But if it IS an infection, often the infection will keep going in the bottle and cause some gushing bottles. I'd bottle it, but drink it sooner rather than later. UNLESS it doesn't taste good now- as it will get worse, not better, with time if it is an infection.

 

[jgerard]

Despite what some believe secondary fermentation is only necessary for certain beers high gravity or fruit beers specifically. Not sure if your holiday ale needed one or not but leaving beer on primary can be safer. I've never done secondary, although there have been times I probably should've. Ofcourse I've never had an infection either. [Knocking on wood]

 

[Beezy]

I have had something similar a couple times. The last time it continued in the bottles but stopped after a week or so when it was carbed up. After a few weeks the crap on top fell to the bottom and I have never had a gusher. I have it again now. So I am just opening the bottles every few days to see what's happening. I can't recommend anyone doing the same but I took the chance. Last time by beer turned out great. Glad I didn't dump.

 

[pruple]

Thank you all very much for your advice. I will be bottling on Friday, I will keep all informed how it goes. Happy Thanksgiving!