Update: Whatever the cause, the lions mane grew out pretty well. They had a bit of a different texture (almost a little stringy) inside the solid looking fuzzy exterior. Definitely worth growing it out if it happens to you! Composted the Chestnuts though. They just looked too suspect.

Check out Unifi_Farms on instagram if you haven't already. They seem to have a pretty prolific Cordyceps farm and sell in bulk. I don't know their costs but it's an inspiring account to look at! Good luck hunting!

Hey Chase, it's funny you mentioned the zine! I started reading page 2 when we got it, and will admit, got excited thinking this could be it! Unfortunately(?), we put all 63 freshly made blocks directly into the bubba set for 200 degrees for 18 hours and start it immediately every time without failure (so far). Takes about 1.5hours. 

We are going to recalibrate the temp sensor and chalk it up to all of the bags that day being undercooked somehow, and by some weird situation, only the black pearl survived the batch. Actually, the lions mane did fruit, but the chestnut got composted.

It really did seem like serendipitous timing - having that exact problem, and then getting the zine a week later. Maybe it still is though!

Thanks very much for looking out!