gotsumbeers wrote:Cool. It isn't taking up space, but I'm afraid to pull samples for gravity readings. Any way to assess if it is finished? Should I plan on tossing all the soft goods it touches after bottling it? I like sours, but don't want a sour brewery. I think this happened because I used a carboy I was "sure" I had cleaned months earlier and just swirled Star San around before filling. Possibly serendipitous!
The best way to assess a sour or funky beer is by taste, its never really finished and will continue to evolve. If you sanitation is good you can use the same racking cane or plastic. If your worried just use a metal dip tube as a thief.
gotsumbeers wrote:Good ideas all. I'm definitely going to let it ride. Is it bad to mess with the pellicle? I have heard it is bad to break it. Is taking samples too early or frequently bad?
Yes, its bad to mess with the pellicle. If you are careful and use a dip tube as your thief you wont cause much damage. I think frequent tastings are good, it lets you determine the level of acidity and character. The downside is you will be introducing more oxygen every time you taste. I sample usually every month or two. The second it starts to go acetic you need to put it in a keg or else you will have a vinegar bomb. You can always let it age in a keg where you can sample oxygen free, thats my personal preference after the initial few months.
