Wine makers...?

[Bettacreek]

I made my first batch a few weeks ago (or somewhere in that range). It's still in a bottle on top of our hutch in the kitchen. It's starting to smell like skunked booze, so I'm assuming that something went right somewhere along the line. How do I know when it's done though? I don't want it turning into vinegar!

 

[Wifezilla]

Is there an airlock on that bottle?

 

[Bettacreek]

No.

 

[Wifezilla]

No telling what yeasties got in there. Did you taste it?

 

[Bettacreek]

No. :/ Lol. I used regular baking yeast to begin with, so I'm not sure what it'll taste like. Granted, there really aren't many tasty alcohols out there, IMO.

 

[ducks4you]

 

[Wifezilla]

All I can say is taste it
If it is sour, well, go ahead and make it vinegar

 

[xpc]

I made my first batch a few weeks ago (or somewhere in that range). It's still in a bottle on top of our hutch in the kitchen. It's starting to smell like skunked booze, so I'm assuming that something went right somewhere along the line. How do I know when it's done though? I don't want it turning into vinegar!

What is the full recipe that you used? as wifezilla said you should have an airlock, even a fine mesh like cheese clothe will work, it will make CO2 and help drive the wild yeast and other wee beasties away if the gas can be lightly trapped in the neck of the bottle.

There are special wine yeasts, baking yeasts may very well leave a funky taste as they are not alcohol tolerant and will die off before becoming wine strength.

 

[Wifezilla]

I buy champagne yeast and airlocks at my local home brew shop. I try to never run out of either

 

[SKR8PN]

I buy champagne yeast and airlocks at my local home brew shop. I try to never run out of either

Same here. The Wife LOVES the Mead that I make.

Betta.....I am betting you have a jar of vinegar, not wine.