When it comes to mold on homebrew, it's important to be able to identify it accurately. Mold can come in a variety of colors, ranging from white and green to black, blue, and even red. However, if you're seeing interesting bright colors like blue or red on your homebrew, that's a bad sign. These colors are not typically associated with mold and could indicate some sort of contamination or spoilage.
When it specifically comes to SCOBYs, which stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, they are usually white or cream to brown in color. This is perfectly normal and indicates a healthy fermentation process. However, if you notice a fuzzy, snowy white layer on top of your brew vessel, that is a cause for concern. This is not the typical appearance of a healthy SCOBY and could indicate the presence of mold.
To further describe mold, it often appears as a fuzzy or powdery growth on the surface of your homebrew. It can resemble a layer of cotton or velvet and may have a distinctive smell, often described as musty or earthy. Mold can also appear in patches or spots, depending on the extent of contamination.
I personally encountered mold on my homebrew once. I had left a batch of beer fermenting for a longer duration than usual, and when I finally checked on it, I noticed a greenish-gray fuzzy layer on top. The color was quite different from the usual creamy appearance of the yeast sediment. The smell was also off, with a strong musty odor. It was clear that mold had developed due to the extended fermentation period. Unfortunately, I had to discard the entire batch as it was no longer safe to consume.
To summarize the appearance of mold on homebrew, it can vary in color but should generally be avoided if it is bright and unusual. Mold typically appears as a fuzzy or powdery growth and can have a musty odor. If you notice any signs of mold on your homebrew, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the batch to avoid any potential health risks.