Infected Brew?

[Robeer]

I barrelled my first ever home brew on Friday. It is a muntons gold old English bitter kit. I have just read on another thread some advice about not starting the syphon by sucking as it can lead to an infected brew. I did use the sucking technique to start the syphon as do not have an auto syphon or syringe.

So... How will I know if my brew is infected?

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I wouldn't worry about it, i imagine the majority of members here use the suck technique to start the syphon, if using your mouth caused beer to be infected there would be hundreds of posts every month about spoiled brews.
I remember the thread you refer to and it would appear there is a slight risk but having read most threads posted in the last couple of years in my opinion that's all it is .

/prepares to be shot down in flames. :lol:


Edit to add -

I have made many gallons of wine and have never had an infection and always start the syphon with my mouth.

 

[ManseMasher]

/prepares to be shot down in flames. :lol:

You know what's coming next!!

 

[Spapro]

I barrelled my first ever home brew on Friday. It is a muntons gold old English bitter kit. I have just read on another thread some advice about not starting the syphon by sucking as it can lead to an infected brew. I did use the sucking technique to start the syphon as do not have an auto syphon or syringe.

So... How will I know if my brew is infected?

Stick with it and keep your fingers crossed, everything I have read suggests an infected brew tastes decidedly rank so you should definitely know if its infected or not.

I haven't got an auto syphon I just use a small piece of sterilised plastic tube which fits in the end of my sterilised syphoning tube. I put my lips on the plastic tube and give a quick suck then remove the plastic tube as the beer is moving along the syphon tube - which means my lips have never touched the syphon tube or the beer. Always works well for me, never had an infected brew yet.

 

[bigbeefy]

i never suck it myself

i get the wife to do the sucking as she is so much better at it than i am :whistle:

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I hope she doesn't read that over your shoulder. :lol:

 

[DoctorMick]

I've started the siphon with my mouth a couple of times and never had s problem. I try to start to with a bit of water but if it stops for any reason I can't be arsed to mess around so just give it a suck.

 

[Francois]

Always started with mouth, never had a problem. Swill with mouthwash for safe measure (or vodka! I brew early in the morning though, so tend to opt for mouthwash )

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I don't put the tube in my mouth, I dry my lips and for me that does the trick, i haven't had a problem so far.

 

[pete_pete]

I barrelled my first ever home brew on Friday. It is a muntons gold old English bitter kit. I have just read on another thread some advice about not starting the syphon by sucking as it can lead to an infected brew. I did use the sucking technique to start the syphon as do not have an auto syphon or syringe.

So... How will I know if my brew is infected?

Now i must tell you that when i first started brewing i was just like you. Very worried about contamination. Let me just say: don't worry. i always use my mouth to get the syphon going! Have no fear the risk of contamination is 0!!! just make sure you sterilise your equipment most importantly; the fv, brewing paddle and barrels/ bottles! simples!

I've no doubt you will have a nice beer to drink soon. chill!