Mould on barrel lid

[James beckford]

I have just gone back to my brewing cabinet after a week to discover that a load of mould is growing on top of the barrel where the wine has overflowed through the airlock. See attached picture. Will this have affected the wine in the barrel ? I haven't opened the lid as I don't want to risk contamination, should I wash the barrel before opening to take hydrometer readings ?

 

[Chippy_Tea]

The only way you are going to know for sure is to smell then taste it.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Make on of these for next time -

https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/how-to-make-a-blow-off-tube.48970/

 

[phildo79]

Chances are, it has gotten in through the grommet. Those style FV are rarely super airtight. I would take it off, cover the FV with cling film (if you don't have a second lid) and soak it in bleach. Then rinse the life out of it, sanitise and replace. But as previously mentioned, you need to have a taste of the wine.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Having had a few overflows (not as bad as this) i think it'll be fine as Phil says take it off and cover the bucket with cling film once clean and dry replace it or leave the cling film in place many members don't use a lid preferring cling film.