Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Production methods from starch to sugars.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
Okie76
Novice
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:23 pm

Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by Okie76 »

Hello fellow distillers,
I am trying out a new to me yeast and some nutrients on my rice wash. The old yeast is red star dady with no nutrients and that has worked great for a long time now. The buckets with those ingredients are doing great as always. I had read on here about someone using and getting good results with Angel yellow label yeast so I am giving it a try. I added in a nutrient pack (about a tablespoonful to a five gallon bucket) that says it is food grade diammonium phosphate. Now two weeks after when the ferment is slowing down this white stuff has appeared on top. I have no clue what it is. It doesn't have any bad smells. Any ideas? Do I toss it out?

here is a pic
white.png
Bradster68
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 2272
Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2021 9:57 am
Location: Canada

Re: Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by Bradster68 »

It could be lacto or Brett. If it's done run it. Don't toss it. And that's a lot of dap for 5 gallons. A teaspoon is plenty.
I drink so much now,on the back of my license it's a list of organs I need.
Okie76
Novice
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:23 pm

Re: Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by Okie76 »

Thanks for the info!
User avatar
Saltbush Bill
Site Mod
Posts: 9764
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
Location: Northern NSW Australia

Re: Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by Saltbush Bill »

Why add a nutrient pack to yellow lable yeast.
The instructions that come with it say nothing about adding nutrients.
They are simply not needed.
Okie76
Novice
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:23 pm

Re: Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by Okie76 »

Was doing it to see if it made any difference. Reason for just one bucket.
User avatar
still_stirrin
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10344
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:01 am
Location: where the buffalo roam, and the deer & antelope play

Re: Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by still_stirrin »

Bradster68 wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2023 7:19 am It could be lacto or Brett…
Me thinks it is the start of a lacto bacteria pellicle. The “white fur” and “spidery” runners looks just like the lacto ferments I’ve experienced.

Keep in mind that when using plastic fermenters, some of the bacteria may become lodged in the fibers of the plastic, creating bacterial inoculation in subsequent ferments, even after proper cleaning and sanitizing the vessel. Once you have the bacteria in your brewery, it’s hard to eliminate it.
ss
My LM/VM & Potstill: My build thread
My Cadco hotplate modification thread: Hotplate Build
My stock pot gin still: stock pot potstill
My 5-grain Bourbon recipe: Special K
User avatar
Deplorable
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 4001
Joined: Thu Jun 25, 2020 12:10 pm
Location: In the East, (IYKYK)

Re: Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by Deplorable »

I'm with SS. It looks like a Lacto pellicile that's been distributed and is reforming.
Fear and ridicule are the tactics of weak-minded cowards and tyrants who have no other leadership talent from which to draw in order to persuade.
User avatar
Saltbush Bill
Site Mod
Posts: 9764
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:13 am
Location: Northern NSW Australia

Re: Rice wash with mysterious stuff floating on it

Post by Saltbush Bill »

From my experience you will get that with yellow lable fairly often.
Keeping at the recommended temp for the yeast, stirring twice a day in the early part of the ferment and pitching the correct amount of yeast makes for a fast healthy ferment and less chance of infection.
Most of my infections have started when the ferment is almost complete or within 48 hours of completion.
Post Reply