So I discovered yesterday that a leaky filter has flooded my beer cellar. It was mild, but just enough to soak a few boxes. I quickly unpacked them and cleaned up the area, but I noticed today that this must have been a problem for longer than I realized--some of the bottles have a slight, white coating at the bottom... looks like some sort of mold. Question: should I be worried about the beer? I'm going to wipe them all off with a rag tonight. Is that enough? Or should I just throw a party and drink it all?
Agreed with @krome Any mold SHOULDN'T get in the bottles. Definitely clean them, and get different boxes.
I might clarify - you said there only appeared to be issues with some mold on the bottom (or lowest) parts of the bottles. If the caps were submerged in such a way as to get rusted, then you might have something to worry about with the beer (or with aging the beer much longer).
I might consider a santizer, starsan?, or maybe some diluted bleach to wipe down the whole area. just to be sure you got rid of all the mold.
Yeah, just to echo what others have said - make sure you get rid of all of the mold. I received a semi moldy bottle in a trade (barely noticeable) and put it in my cellar. It spread to other bottles like wild fire. Easy to clean up but just make sure you get it all. If you have it, spray some star-san from a spray bottle on all the bottles then wipe off individually. Don't want to seem over concerned but if mold spreads it can be a bitch to clean up!
