Forgot to sterilise

[verno]

I did AG #2 at the weekend and I was so focused on correcting all the mistakes from AG#1 that I totally forgot to sterilise my FV bucket. I had used it during the day for transfer of wort etc and had washed it out a number of times. There is probably nothing that I can do except wait and see.

Can someone let me know what the tell tell infection signs are? Bad smell, anything else?

[trucker5774]

There is a good chance that you will be OK (but don't make a habit of it)

The classic sign is the vinegar smell/taste. Always be sure to taste it. Unless you are absolutely certain that it is infected never throw a brew away. it's always worth the extra little amount of time to continue the process to the end and then check the results.

[boingy]

+1 to what trucker said, especially the bit about giving it a chance. You are bound to be paranoid about it and will find signs of "offness" everywhere but resist the temptation of tipping it away. The time to make the call is before you keg/bottle it. You'll know if it is off because a small sip will make you gag!

I have forgotten twice and both times I got away with it. If your bucket is clean and dry then there is very little incentive for bugs to colonise it.

[verno]

Thanks for the tips, I was planning on letting it ferment out, but wasn't sure at which point I would know. A week or so of waiting then (and maybe a quick smell tonight).

[Beeru]

You'll know if it is off because a small sip will make you gag!

If your bucket is clean and dry then there is very little incentive for bugs to colonise it.[/quote]

Good to know. ( my first time in forum. Don´t look at me, i´m shy.. )