>>2935650
>Any specific smells/tastes would indicate that it went bad?
When things go bad it's usually not subtle.
>>2935658
>2 months in a jar with an airlock is nothing
This
>>2935661
>Can I leave the lid on the bucket loose or should I close the lid?
Absolutely it should be closed, But if you didn't and you're makin wine chances are you'll have made sherry and that's just different.
>>2935661
>t's a fucking bitch to open.
Pry open one part at the time, start where it'easy ie the "handles", You'll be fine and it gets easier once you've done it a couple of times. (There's a bucket lid opener tool you can buy).
>>2935670
Try managing a bucket before investing further. Glass is sensitive to sudden heat changes so whatever you're making you probably start off in a bucket anyway. Cleaning carboys are way more difficult and getting a stopper that fits to stay on and be removed isn't always as easy as one would think (if you can get a hood those are way cheaper, easier to deal with and from experience work just as well).

Pic related hasn't been posted in a while and everyone should have it.