elderflower/orange mead

[Jason85]

As an avid home brewer Iv always wanted to make mead. In case anyone doesn't know what mead is, its honey wine. Its fairly simple and there a few different methods to go about making it. I went with the heat method but ill be doing the non-heat method soon to compare the two. This will ferment for about a month and then ill rack it into secondary where it will age for at least a year. If anyone is interested in making mead click on the link below.

http://www.stormthecastle.com/mead/make-mead-1-brewing-the-must.htm

[sir shovelhands]

Looks like you've got a real healthy fermentation going! I'll be interested to see the report on how the elderflower taste comes out. What yeast are you using?

If you haven't had a chance, I highly recommend reading "The Compleat Mead Maker" (spelled incorrectly on purpose).

[Jason85]

Thanks! Yea I'm hoping to get some floral notes from the elderflowers. It will be a while before I plan I trying but I keep the post updated when I do.

[jay07ag]

How does mead compare to our typical wines these days? Sweeter? Higher/lower alcohol content?

[Jason85]

Jay07ag, They can be sweet to semi-dry depending on the amount of honey you use. The alcohol content is usually around the same level of wine being 12-15%. It can get higher but I try to shoot for that range.

[Brian77429]

Looks really good.

It always amazes me how clear it will get form the cloudy mess it is now.

I love to home brew as well although never made a mead. Cider but no mead.

[Jason85]

Yea this is my first time making mead. Heck iv never even tasted mead so I have no idea what to expect. I'm just hoping for something that is semi-dry with a little sweetness. I just made another batch with some local honey so ill have plenty of mead by next year.

[Nailhead]

Yea this is my first time making mead. Heck iv never even tasted mead so I have no idea what to expect. I'm just hoping for something that is semi-dry with a little sweetness. I just made another batch with some local honey so ill have plenty of mead by next year.

Good Luck! It looks like you have a great start! Mead is pretty good. I think there are a few kinds you can get at Specs. My brother picks up a bottle from time to time and I have tried it. A little on the sweet side, but pretty tasty for sitting around and sipping on it.