I'm sitting outside watching 6.5 gallons of wort boil happily away, but I just noticed the previously mostly-sunny sky has transitioned to a pretty uniform "overcast". If it starts lightly raining before I get the wort in the fermenter... is that something I should worry about (I don't have an overhang or anything to protect me)? I imagine the vulnerable time would be after the wort has started to cool, especially when I'm siphoning it into the fermenter, but I don't know if there's much risk of infection? Basically, if some raindrops get in my wort, is there something I should do besides RDWHAHB?
I brew outdoors, but so far the gods have been kind to me and the sky has never opened up during a brew session. I would move to cover as soon as the boil ends, if possible. I usually put the cover on half way while chillng to provide some protection from bugs, etc. If thats the best you can do, at least cover it after the boil. My $0.02.
Some people use aluminum foil. Others cut their lids so there is an indent where the chiller goes. I use a CFC so I leave it uncovered. IMO this is a RDWHAHB moment. You should be pitching a giant amount of healthy yeast so a few little critters will be outcompeted and you have no worry.
That all makes sense, thanks! I was lucky this time -- it only sprinkled a little while I was cleaning up -- but I'll keep your suggestions in mind if the rain ever interferes.
I'm outside too watching this chocolate oatmeal porter boil and it started to drizzle a bit for minute or 2. I wouldn't worry while it's boiling unless it's a down pour. Go pull another home brew from the tap or bottle and enjoy it! I'm almost done.. Worst part is cleaning up and putting away.
