In Episode 12, we bring on none other than Ken Schramm, author of The Compleat Meadmaker and owner and head meadmaker of Schramm’s Mead (logo at right). Ken has been making mead for over 20 years, and his book has influenced many meadmakers who have gone pro in recent years. Our discussion starts with a focus on sourcing the best fruits for your mead, but transitions into Ken’s thoughts on using fruit to make great melomels.
Ken’s Philosophy for Balancing Melomels (paraphrased):
The balance of the finished mead is based on a proportional offsetting of the sweetness and the body from the honey with the character and the acidity from the fruit.
Listen to the audio for the rest of the discussion.
Right click here to download the mp3 directly.
Drinks in this Episode
Tysen: Cherries ‘n Honey (Meadery of the Rockies)
Allen: Black Raspberry Melomel (Stonekeep Meadery)
Ken Schramm: Ginger (Schramm’s Mead)
Links in this Episode
- The Compleat Meadmaker
- Heritage and Latham red raspberries (plant in spring, harvest in fall)
- Find a pick-your-own farm with this site
- Penzey’s Spices
- Madison farmers’ market
- Montmorency (frozen source) and Balaton (frozen source) cherries
- Titratable acidity
- Yum, quince pie!
Working my way though your meadcasts. Was wondering if you’ve had any discussions about additives? Sorbate, Campden, etc.
Thanks.
dave
Other than nutrients, we haven’t. It’s a great topic though! We’ll see if we can find someone we can bring on to discuss.