Opening Then Closing A Cube

[Thefatdoghead]

My car is at the shop getting fixed and I can't make it to the LHBS so I was thinking of using the wort in my cube for a starter. Should I try or am I just going to lose the wort to infection from air getting in? Maybe I could fill it with co2 to purge out the air then seal it back up until the yeast is done. Anyone tried with success?
Cheers

 

[mxd]

it'll probably work, but I wouldn't do it

 

[JoeG]

Hey Gav - I have never done what you propose, but I would suggest its a very good way to get an infection and lose your cube of wort. I remember another brewer (can't remeber who) tried this to take a gravity sample from his cube and lost the lot to an infection.

Is it just that you don't have any DME to make a starter, and you don't have wheels to get to the LHBS? Is there an IGA or something you can walk to? Nearly every supermarket will carry a small section of Coopers home brew products. I have used the Coopers DME quite a bit for starters, and it will do the job well. Its expensive for a 500g pack, but I reckon its a better option than risking your cube of lovely Brewmeistered wort.

Cheers

 

[sponge]

Opening a cube without fermenting straight away is always asking for an infection, and would be better just making a starter with DME than risk having to throw out a cube of your hard work.

Just my 2 bob worth though



Sponge

 

[Thefatdoghead]

Hey Gav - I have never done what you propose, but I would suggest its a very good way to get an infection and lose your cube of wort. I remember another brewer (can't remeber who) tried this to take a gravity sample from his cube and lost the lot to an infection.

Is it just that you don't have any DME to make a starter, and you don't have wheels to get to the LHBS? Is there an IGA or something you can walk to? Nearly every supermarket will carry a small section of Coopers home brew products. I have used the Coopers DME quite a bit for starters, and it will do the job well. Its expensive for a 500g pack, but I reckon its a better option than risking your cube of lovely Brewmeistered wort.

Cheers

Hey Joe, yeah mate im out of DME. I reckon it's to big a risk as well. My car won't be ready until Friday so I might just have to get some extract or something. Really don't want to lose this Brown ale.

Cheers mate

 

[Dazza88]

Maybe if the cube was at 1c in the fridge before and after opening but dme much safer option.

 

[ekul]

Using a kit works really well. I make all my starters from a can of coopers cervesa.

Or you could use some grain and make a minimash on the stove if you noway of getting to a supermarket.

Ifyou've opened the cube i'd be p[itching some dry yeast if you don't have amnything else ready.

 

[donburke]

Using a kit works really well. I make all my starters from a can of coopers cervesa.

Or you could use some grain and make a minimash on the stove if you noway of getting to a supermarket.

Ifyou've opened the cube i'd be p[itching some dry yeast if you don't have amnything else ready.

Mash some grains for 30 mins strain and boil for another 30

 

[TidalPete]

Read your emails Gav.

TP

 

[tallie]

Someone did it here - pretty sure he won't be doing it again.

Cheers,
tallie

 

[manticle]

I'd either take my chances with underpitching or not pitch till I could get what I needed.

Next time, get the last bit you leave behind with the break, let the break settle out, decant and reboil - starter wort of the same composition as the NC wort.

 

[Thefatdoghead]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Think I got it all sorted.
:icon_cheers:

 

[seemax]

I've been using taps on my cubes (blue Willow 20L) for years now ... I can drain a sample to check the gravity or as I have done once or twice drain 1L for a starter all without opening the lid.

Probably wouldn't open the lid .. only on occasions to let the CO2 out during fermentation, but that's only a 1/4 turn.

 

[bcp]

I've been using taps on my cubes (blue Willow 20L) for years now ... I can drain a sample to check the gravity or as I have done once or twice drain 1L for a starter all without opening the lid.

Probably wouldn't open the lid .. only on occasions to let the CO2 out during fermentation, but that's only a 1/4 turn.

The only batch I ever lost to infection included doing just this. I can't be sure it was the cause, but I won't be repeating the effort.

 

[Dazza88]

I've opened the tap, glug glug. Air gets sucked into the cube. I pitched it very soon after.

 

[mje1980]

On a brewday once, i accidentally opened a cube i thought had sanitiser in it, OOOPPPSS!!. Fermented it that day with some dry yeast from memory, was better than risking infection.

 

[peaky]

The only time I ever open the lid on my jerry can is when I'm pitching a yeast into it. No way I'd draw unfermented wort from it. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

 

[Cube]

I'm pretty sure if you get a big balloon, put the cube and yourself in it and fill it with co2 then draw some wort you'll be sweet.

Or, maybe, just a suggestion as i love my idea above especially if whipped cream is introduced, get some DME or even sugarz. Kittens work well

 

[Bribie G]

even the cube is worried which is why it posted in to see what its fate would be.


:blink:

LDME for starter if you don't have anything else. Don't tip in whole starter, just the yeasty layer and you won't get any twang. :icon_cheers:

 

[Thefatdoghead]

View attachment 54075

even the cube is worried which is why it posted in to see what its fate would be.


:blink:

Lol that is hilarious Bribie!