#mead making

[dsatyr]

Starting a gallon of mead a few days after the winter solstice. The sun has already begun His increase, may the energy of the light's return infuse this golden ferment. May this drink be a blessing to me and mine and all the world.

[pippenpaddlopsicopolisthethird]

Got nothing better to do today so I'm prepping to make some mead! The goal was to go as far as I could with the cheapest, simplest materials and buy as little of the professional stuff as possible to start with. I did make some concessions, but still planning not to buy something until the step where I need it.

Bought at step 1:

Hydrometer. This was the biggest concession, but the one that I saw the most warnings about not having. If I don't measure sugar content at the start, I won't ever be able to know the final ABV or tell when it's done fermenting. $8 for this, which I won't have to buy again.

Yeast nutrient. Another concession, but necessary to make sure fermentation happens right. Also comes in a package I can use for a lot of batches, for $6 total.

1 gallon of spring water. I didn't have any gallon jugs already and I'm not about to drop unnecessary money on glass carboy jars. Also takes away the chance of chlorine in the tap water killing the yeast. $1.30 for a gallon.

Yeast - Fleischmann's Fast Acting. There are specific wine and champagne yeasts but this brand is usually listed right alongside them on a lot of sites. Maybe in the future I'll try some of the suggested fancy brewing yeasts. For now a three-pack of Fleischmann's is $1.20.

Balloons. Airlocks are necessary to allow gas to escape while also preventing contaminants from entering the brew. I could get 3 airlocks for about $10, but that'll be something I save for a later batch when I don't have to buy another hydrometer. For now a balloon with a couple pinholes in it will do the job. A pack of 25 balloons was $1.

Honey. This, of course, is the most necessary part but also the most expensive single item. Most recipes I see call for 2-3 pounds of honey. I picked up 2.5 pounds for $15.

Total cost at time point 1: About $33 to start my first gallon brewing. Everything except the honey and the water will make multiple batches.

There are more things I foresee needing to buy for this first batch, like a siphon, chemicals to stop fermentation so I can backsweeten or add flavors, and bottles/corks for the eventual finished alcohol. However, that's all at least a month or two (and a paycheck or two) away, and I got nothing but time when it comes to this hobby!

[thehopefulraincoat]

First print of labels vs updated, 2nd run of labels. They look so much better!

[craftedbottler]

Mead is actually quite simple to make as long as you use the proper equipment and ingredients. The hardest part about making mead is patience. Here's some of the common questions asked about making mead.

How Do You Make Mead?

The Short Version:

Mix Honey and Water: In your primary fermenting bucket, combine 3-3.5 pounds of honey per gallon of mead.

Yeast and Nutrition: Add mead yeast along with some nutritional source like raisins to support yeast growth.

Fermentation Starts: Attach an airlock to your fermentation vessel. Yeast will convert sugars into alcohol, with CO2 escaping through the airlock. This initial fermentation could last from 2 weeks to a month.

Secondary Fermentation: Once the bubbling slows down or stops, transfer your mead to a secondary fermenter like a carboy, leaving the sediment behind. Let it sit for about 2 months in a dark place.

Bottling: After aging, bottle your mead and label it for personal enjoyment or gifting.

For a detailed traditional mead recipe, check out this link: https://www.craftedbottler.com/blogs/post/mead-recipe

Is It Legal to Make Mead in the US?

Yes, for personal consumption. You'll need a license to sell it commercially.

How Much Honey Do I Need for 1 Gallon of Mead?

You'll need 3-3.5 pounds of honey for each gallon of mead.

Can I Use Tap Water for Mead?

Yes, if it's filtered, safe, and tastes good. However, spring water is often recommended for its mineral content beneficial for fermentation. If using tap water do one of the following:

Boil it to remove chlorine.

Let it sit overnight to evaporate chlorine.

Use potassium metabisulfite or Campden tablets.

Employ a filter system to remove chloramine and other impurities.

Avoid distilled water due to its lack of minerals.

Is Raw Honey OK for Mead?

Absolutely! Raw honey is excellent for mead because it's packed with natural sugars, minerals, and nutrients that enhance taste and fermentation.

How Long Does Mead Ferment?

Primary fermentation generally takes 7-14 days, with secondary fermentation lasting 1-3 months.

How Alcoholic Can Mead Get?

Mead can range from 3.5% to over 20% ABV. With the right yeast and nutrients, you can achieve up to 18% ABV, though meads over 15% might taste "hot" if not properly managed.

How to Stop Fermentation in Mead?

Use potassium sorbate to halt yeast activity. About 1/2 teaspoon per gallon once fermentation is complete.

How Do You Age Mead?

Aging involves:

Temperature: Keep it between 55–65°F (13–18°C).

Humidity: Around 70% to keep corks moist.

Light: Store in darkness or dark containers to avoid UV damage.

Position: Lay bottles on their side if corked.

Bulk Aging: Age in bulk before bottling for consistency, minimizing headspace to prevent oxidation.

By following these guidelines, you can craft mead that not only tastes great but also reflects the ancient art of brewing. Whether you're a seasoned brewer or a curious novice, mead-making can be a delightful journey into the past with a sweet twist on modern home brewing. Enjoy your mead-making adventure!

[fictionalred]

So we made some mead! and ran out of containers xD

It didn't turn out perfect, but I think for a first attempt it's pretty good!

[ejeffers1239]

I present to you:

Erika's Bullshit Bottling Operation!

This was my first time using a proper siphon/bottling wand, hence the large variation in fill and the large bottle of bottom-rack with yeast gunk mixed in. In any case, I consider this an absolute success

It's an Apple Pie Mead, 14% ABV, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

[witch-cottage]

When I get out of my sugar coma I’m gonna tell you all about my mead. It’s really freaking good.

[fayeandknight]

I got impatient siphoning my mead yesterday and accidentally carbonated it. Fizzy mead is delightful. Good job me.