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new auto siphone hole! Did I just make Vinegar?

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griff_consortium

NewBee
Registered Member
Oct 15, 2006
10
0
0
Just got my new auto siphon, looked great but did not really look close to see two pin holes at the top of the cane! Cleaned it dropped it into my Orange spice mead and 2 plunges on the auto siphon and I was in business! Unfortunately a few minutes into the racking I noticed a slight bubbling sound (had ringing in my ears from the range earlier) and look up to see the bubbles going into my carboy. Nice. I grabbed the cane and saw a hole actually two small holes that I put my finger on them and continued. Day two, my mead(?) is clearing well with the finnings I used (superclear IIRC) Ok so day three I gently lift the plug and smell...well It no longer smells harsh or yeasty as before. It has the spiced orange smell sort of. I used a thief and the burn that I tasted 3 days ago is gone, now it takes longer to feel warmth. It doesn't smell like vinegar but doesnt smell harsh either. Might I have a slight oxymel or is this gingerly going to turn to vinegar after I bottle? Damn it if it does as that was expensive and nice honey.
This turns to vinegar and I quit using honey forever, too expensive.
 

akueck

Certified Mead Mentor
Certified Mead Mentor
Jun 26, 2006
4,958
11
0
Ithaca, NY
I suppose we can't know for sure yet, but I really doubt you just killed your batch. A few bubbles, while not something you want to add on purpose, aren't going to spoil it all by themselves. Worry not, mead is forgiving.
 

Rhianni

NewBee
Registered Member
Nov 13, 2006
292
1
0
49
It will only turn to vinegar over a period of time when exposed. You can take a raking cane or the inside of your syphon and slowly and GENTELY stir. that wil dislodge any gas held in suspension but not stir new stuff in.

Honey is too expensive? Its one of the cheapest fermentables out there. wine kits are $60+ that I have seen. Beer is $25 - $30 for the ingrediants. Even at whole foods prices of $2.3 a lb its $40. The online sources sell it for $1.50 or less. Thats cheaper then a batch of beer.
 

ucflumberjack

NewBee
Registered Member
Sep 4, 2006
839
0
0
37
beer tends to cost me about $30-$40 a batch for an extract brew.... honey around here is around 25-28 per gallon. so around $30-$50 per batch is about right for mead, for me anyways....
 
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