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@stickman - Thanks for confirming S02 dosage against total must volume vs. expected final wine volume. Reiterating that there was no S02 addition by the supplier. Also, the room and tank temperature is between 65-70F, hence my concern regarding lack of cap forming.

@mainshipfred - answers to your question are as follows: 1. Frozen musts are comprised of crushed grapes and their respective juice, the drum is just the largest size (ie 50-55 gallons) 2. I was under the impression that S02 additions are made w/ the entire must volume in mind (given binding)...

All - is it safe to assume I should discontinue stirring to dissipate S02 based on my original theory of it being prevalent? Also, given that the rate of bubble/foam formation has been slow to increase and I haven't seen any cap formation in 4 days, how long should I wait before some other...

Hi @stickman - Good points, you're probably right regarding the low starting temperature and there may have been more than a 10F difference between the yeast starter and the must.

Hi @mainshipfred - haven't taken a gravity reading but that's a good idea, also wasn't aware that RC212 was a low foaming yeast so appreciate that insight.

Hi @sour_grapes, appreciate the response. However, the image depicts what I've seen every day for the last 3-4 days (meaning nothing seems to be changing in terms of more bubbles/foaming or development of a cap). Would you continue to wait for changes and if so, at what point would you take...

Hi all, I'm in the midst of attempting to ferment a Pinot Noir drum of my first frozen must but am now worried as I haven't been able to get fermentation to start. I know similar instances have been written about in these forums before but everything I've found seems to pertain to stuck...

Thanks @JohnT!

Thanks @balatonwine and totally makes sense regarding gasket (inner-tube) vs. air-vent/cap verbiage, my apologies on the confusion!

Thanks @stickman - I'm going to forego using the lid in favor of mesh bag secured on top. Happy new year!

Thanks @GreenEnvy22! Any recommendations as to cost effective/ease-of-use alternatives to FermWrap?

Hi @stickman - yes I was planning on conducting primary fermentation in the tank w/ the lid on (secured at the top/highest point of the tank). I suppose I could leave the lid off but I assume I'd want to cover the top w/ some sort of mesh bag to ensure no bugs/dust get in? Which approach do you...

Hi all, I'm looking for an easy-to-use, inexpensive means of increasing temperature during fermentation and came across the FermWrap (https://morewinemaking.com/products/fermwrap-heater.html). However, all references I've found in this forum pertain to use on carboys or plastic fermenters...

Hi all, I'm outfitting my 290L stainless steel Speidel tank with an airlock and wondered if a blowoff cane (ie this one: https://morewinemaking.com/products/38-stainless-steel-blowoff-cane.html) would be better as I'm worried that the former won't be able to handle the fermentation volume of a...

Hi all, Do any of you have an estimate of how long the drums usually take to thaw? I've read 2-4 days but haven't opened the container yet (it's been 1.5 days) as I'm worried about unnecessarily exposing it to oxygen. Also, how soon do you add your first S02 dosage? My assumption is that the...

Thanks @balatonwine! Just to double confirm, are you saying that my original assumption about the lack of ability to inhibit oxygen uptake is correct?

Hi, I'm transitioning from carboys to a stainless steel, variable volume tank and wanted to inquire as to whether or not the lid gasket is effective in essentially replacing an airlock? I'm less concerned with the gasket function during primary fermentation where my original S02 dosage and...

Hi, I've got a Speidel 290L steel tank and am considering outfitting the the plugged port w/ a threaded thermometer but wanted to poll the masses regarding the following: -Are there any drawbacks to doing so (ie does the seal hold up in comparison to the plug)? -Is there an advantage to a...

Hi, I've got a Speidel 290L steel tank and am considering outfitting the the plugged port w/ a threaded thermometer but wanted to poll the masses regarding the following: -Are there any drawbacks to doing so (ie does the seal hold up in comparison to the plug)? -Is there an advantage to a...

Hi all - somehow only saw HeatherD's comment when I first responded, really appreciate everyone's input. @mainshipfred - I believe the drum is 55 gallons but not exactly sure as I haven't yet picked it up, I'm told it'll yield 30-33 gallons after pressing. And yes, it includes the grape skins...