to rack...or not to rack?!

[GeanieO]

Hi everyone, I've been stalking this (and other hb forums) for quite a while now, gathering lots of helpful info which has helped me get my first 5 brews started I think all is well but I have a question about my mango, peach and papaya WOW. It's been going for 2 weeks now and I feel like it's time to rack...but there's all this stuff floating on top! What do I do??

Just rack from the bottom of the dj? Scoop it off or sieve it somehow? Wait until it sinks or mix it back in??!! So many possibilities haha I'm sure some of you knowledgeable people will have an answer!

Thanks!

(there should be 2 pics if I've worked out how to do it properly )

http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g40 ... G_1883.jpg
http://i1099.photobucket.com/albums/g40 ... G_1886.jpg

[Dr. Dextrin]

Your images don't seem to be showing. I think you need a certain number of posts before you can post images, so here they are...




If it's ready to rack, you'll want to get rid of that scum. So probably rack and then if the scum manages to get through, put it through a sieve. Don't be too fussy, though, as you'll need to rack again. It's normal to get some crud coming through the first racking.

[GeanieO]

Thanks, I just wasn't sure how to deal with it! Not much ended up in the new dj and it tastes lovely. hydrometer was bang on 1.000 so it was ready...and strong! very happy with all 3 that I've racked today!

[fatbloke]

The martian on the top is just yeast and fruit flesh particulates.

Doc D was spot on about some getting through. You'd likely break it up a bit just pushing the snorkel end of a racking cane through it.

Not to worry.

Any that got through, should ideally, be left as it will likely sink with time as the rest is clearing.

Any bit left in the original DJ could be gently run through a couple of layers of muslin type cloth, that's been sanitised and soaked in sanitiser (you might even try squeezing it, but if any of the debris spaghetti's through the cloth, call it a day.

If there's enough to fill an appropriately sized bottle, you can cold crash the bottle in the fridge until you needed to use the liquid for topping up......

Probably too late for all that now but it's worth remembering, as it may help reduce your racking losses...

[GeanieO]

yes it is too late...but good tips for next time! I didn't lose as much as I though I would actually, only an inch The bits that got through are sinking so should be all good for the next racking. Oooooh I do love this wine making malarky!

[WalesAles]

Oooooh I do love this wine making malarky!

Wait till you start making Turbo Cider! Then you`ll have some malarkey!
Glad to see that you`re enjoying the brewing. Don`t forget photos!
WA