Tag: Nectar Creek

MC037: A Session with Phil

Join us in episode 37 of the Meadcast where we interview Philip Lorenz of Nectar Creek about session meads. Nectar Creek swept the session dry category of the Mazer Cup 2015. In this episode you’ll learn the Nectar Creek way of making mead. We’ll also cover some tips on how to carbonate your meads at home as well as the best ways to bring across ginger in your mead. Tune in for tips from the master on how to make your own.

Right click here to download the mp3 directly.

Drinks in this Episode

The Nectar Creek Session Mead Tips

  • 7-9 parts water to 1 part honey
  • Dry wine yeasts fermented at low temperatures (mid 50s F)
    • Slow and steady wins the race!
  • Rehydrate with Go-Ferm Protect and temper to pitch temp
  • Use appropriate nutrient regimens

Trying to Make a Ginger Mead?

  • Use raw, fresh ginger
    • You need high quality ingredients to get good flavors
  • Process it to maximize surface exposure (pulverize)
  • Never heat the ginger!
  • What is Baby Ginger? (Nectar Creek does not use baby ginger)

Links in this Episode

MM031: West Coast Cyser and Session Mead Tasting

Every now and again, we like to revisit our tasting chops in an effort to identify what meads we want to make and consider the process that allows the professionals to make such delicious beverages. We were lucky enough to source the three Nectar Creek dry session mead winners from the 2015 Mazer Cup as well as three cysers from Red Branch Cider Company (Mike Faul’s Red Branch Brewing Company swept the 2015 Braggot category) courtesy of our friend Pavel (@cidermead on twitter). In Episode 31, we sit down with a few friends and try these meads. Hope you enjoy!

Right click here to download the mp3 directly.

Drinks in this Episode

  • From Nectar Creek
    • Waggle (review starts at 5:00)
    • Honeycone (review starts at 14:37)
    • Sting (review starts at 26:58)
  • From Red Branch Cider Company
    • Apple Honey (review starts at 9:29)
    • Johnny Jump Up (review starts at 21:18)
    • Ginga Ninja (review starts at 30:30)

The Participants

  • East Coast
    • Allen
    • Tysen
    • Sean from Mobius Meadery
    • Andrew from Charm City Meadworks
  • West Coast
    • Pavel (@cidermead, DOZE Homebrewer of the Year)
    • Jeremy (BJCP Judge)
    • Hirendu
    • David

We try to rank the meads at the 36 minute mark.

Links in this Episode

Coming Up

The 2016 edition of the Mazer Cup starts in 11 days! If you are judging or volunteering as a steward, we hope to catch you on the visit. Look for the two strapping young fellows donned in some awesome MeadMakr gear! Be sure to ask for a sticker if you find us. Don’t know what we look like? Check out Meadology’s latest promo video here.