Episode 002b continues where we left off in Episode 002a, answering the question, “What is Mead?” In this episode, we tackle the historical types of mead, how they fit into the Beer Judge Certification Program mead specific categories, and how all of this relates to what you can buy in a liquor store. Hint: the definition of mead per the American Mead Makers Association differs greatly from the legal definition per the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
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Drinks in this Episode
Allen continues with his B Nektar Necromangocon, and Tysen finishes his bottle of Bos Meadery Pomegranate Pyment.
Items Discussed in this Episode
The MeadMakr Guide Part I: What is Mead?
BJCP Mead Specific Guidelines and Resources
TTB’s Frequently Asked Questions concerning Honey Wine
Moonlight Meadery’s Mead List
The Mulberry Tree
How to train your yeast for Polish Meads
So far Wyeast’s Eau de Vie says it’s alcohol tolerance is 21%. But does that mean it can start in a high gravity? Finding yeasts that survive is a very high gravity is harder than I thought.
Yeah, that is the problem. Your best bet will be to step feed any meads to get them to high gravities. So start around 3.5 lbs honey per gallon (although arguably this even stresses your yeast), and then step feed 1/4 to 1/2 pound when the must is almost dry. We’ll have to get an episode just on step-feeding to help explain the concept.
An episode on step feeding would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you could make another on why staggered nutrient addition is so important?
We are working on this topic. It’s in the queue!