Brewing Mead

[KeiranM]

I want to make a small batch of mead and this is how I reckon I'll do it (not figured out the exact measurements yet), if anyone can offer advice that would be great!

Water in fermentation bin at room temp,
Add honey,
Mix vigorously to oxygenate,
Add yeast,
Add yeast nutrient in stages to lower fermentation time down to 3 months hopefully!

I need to know what type of yeast, yeast nutrient to use and how long I can expect to wait on fermentation?

 

[oldbloke]

It's much easier to get the honey dissolved if you heat it gently with at least some of the water. Not even a simmer, just gentle heat.
How strong do you want it? People have a range of opinions on what ABV mead should be!
Working with the rule of thumb that 1lb/gallon sugar gives 5% and honey is 80% sugar, for 10% you want 2 and a half pounds of honey; for 15%, 3 3/4 lbs.
I tend to go 4.5 to 5 lbs, but in stages, use a high tolerance yeast, and hope for 17% + with some residual sweetness
Not many people (afaik) do just straight honey. OK if you can afford a really good honey with a real flavour of its own, but most people add at least spices, maybe fruit.
Masses of info at gotmead.com

 

[oldbloke]

Also...
However long it takes to ferment, it really does like a good while to mature.
Most of mine start out at: drinkable but you think "was this a good idea?"
After 3 months: more drinkable but still not convinced
After 6 months: ah, not bad
After a year: reet tasty

 

[KeiranM]

Also...
However long it takes to ferment, it really does like a good while to mature.
Most of mine start out at: drinkable but you think "was this a good idea?"
After 3 months: more drinkable but still not convinced
After 6 months: ah, not bad
After a year: reet tasty

ahh right, thats giving me second thoughts, im too impatient for that!

 

[oldbloke]

Well, make something else as well!
Everybody's got to do a mead at some point!

 

[zgoda]

Well, make something else as well!
Everybody's got to do a mead at some point!

Just got into this, made 10 ltr traditional Polish "quadruple" mead (dry).

 

[KeiranM]

Well, make something else as well!
Everybody's got to do a mead at some point!

I'd have have to make 3 or 4 small batches I think, I want to experiment with it everyone says it goes really well with almost anything...

Ok fine I will!