Comments | flechyr: Desperately Needed Brewing Day

flechyr

Desperately Needed Brewing Day

Nov 15, 2009 14:40

I haven't had the opportunity to make anything in a while, so thankfully, since berries won't last forever, the day had to happen-and it did.

The basics:

Batch 1: "Carlsonberry Melomel" (black raspberry melomel ( Read more... )

booze

Comments 8

marielaf November 15 2009, 20:50:14 UTC

Lochlainn's offer of basement space for brewing is still open. We can discuss at CheeseFest if you'd like.

so_zanie November 15 2009, 21:27:32 UTC

Any chance any of that will be ready for our tree-trimming party (hint, hint?) :D

Sounds yummy.

flechyr November 15 2009, 22:43:18 UTC

Hmmm, doubtful. These will need a bit of time. However, I still have other stuff, so, what is the date of the par-tay?

so_zanie November 15 2009, 22:45:14 UTC

Sunday December 20th. I'll be dealing with the invite thingies after T-Day. :)

norfacoflandra November 16 2009, 01:00:11 UTC

Hm. Hm and Hm and Hm.

Gwyn makes a lovely mead - more a sweet mead though. Can we pick your brains about technique? We're using a tried-and-true recipie from Jhondo but haven't experimented successfully to get a semi-sweet mead. And had a miserable failure on an attempt involving cider.

flechyr November 16 2009, 02:37:25 UTC

Pick away.

In a nutshell, though, the dryer you go, the better your control and choices for Yeast, Acids and levels, and Tannins need to be.

norfacoflandra November 16 2009, 03:08:23 UTC

OK - that's the level of detail we've never delved into. We've been using the very basic "simmer it, cool it, pitch the yeast and ferment it" model keeping control of the honey content. Hafta look at which yeast we're using. I think lately we've been using a cup of strong tea for a little acid - nothing terribly measurable or repeatable.

What would you recommend as a good reference to start with? 'Cause I don't think LJ is a good tool for this kinda back and forth.

flechyr November 16 2009, 14:10:11 UTC

Yeah, LJ isn’t a good place for serious conversation-grab my email from my profile, and drop me a line.

In the mean time, here are the books that I’ve found useful. My favorite is “Brewing Mead.”

Brewing Mead (out of print, but findable)
http://amzn.com/0937381004

The Complete Mead Maker
http://amzn.com/0937381802

Making Mead (out of print, but findable)
http://amzn.com/0900841079