Had a batch that I started a few weeks ago that I couldn't get going (using some Braggs as a seed). Ordered this mother and it arrived quicker than I expected. It had lot's of mother floating around in the starter.Took about a half a quart of the wine that I couldn't get going and put it in a new "starter" jar. Added the mother to it. Within just a few days I can see mother forming on the top of the starter jar.So far very happy. After a while I will use the mother from this starter jar to get the gallon jar going (assuming there isn't other issues with it).UPDATE: Took about half of the starter jar and added it to the gallon. Been a few days and the gallon now has a great mother going. Satisfied as can be with this starter!Not sure what happened to my starter. Followed the directions that came with the product and two months later still no mother developing in my vinegar pot, not on top, nor on the bottom. Will wait one more month before tasting to see if acidification happened without the development of a floating biomass.6/18/15 Update. I've updated my review due to the fact that the company contacted me directly and supplied me with obviously fresher product which I will try with new wine as soon as I'm able. It looks quite a bit more promising as I can see a sizeable hunk of biomass in this jar, whereas in the first order it was noticeably lacking. In this day of manufacturer's cold indifference to their customers, it's refreshing to receive positive indications that there are still a few business owners out there who care about their customers' satisfaction. I expect this batch will do the trick and I look forward to tasting and reviewing the fruits of my labor.What is this thing floating on top of my vinegar?Repeat purchaser here: when I periodically manage to kill the "Mother" in my "Vinaigrier", this one comes to my rescue and revives everything. The home made Vinegar production at home has been going strong for 15+ year thanks to an occasional purchase of this product (every 3 or 4 years?). It's idiot proof for people like me and friends love my homemade vinegar.Throughly pleased with this product!When it arrived I would say there was a Tablespoon of solid material floating, so I was a bit concerned after reading the other reviews but I figured, Hey- I can follow directions (seems other reviewers can’t) so I’ll give it a go.10 days later, the wine seems to have developed a healthy mother and the odor has changed significantly. Can’t wait to propogate new vinegars with this giant mother!This starter worked perfectly. By the time my wine had turned to vinegar, a 1/4 thick mother had formed on top. I'm on my second batch of vinegar and I now have two mothers that size!Do not purchase. There are better products in the market. Poorly packageI've wanted to make my own vinegar for a while. I bought this Mothers and followed their recipe. It's only been 3 weeks, so I can't say how well it works, but I have high Hope's it will be great. I'll try to provide an update when we try it in 3 months or so.