Marches Mead, born at the April A&S
brewing class.
April 10th 2003
Ingredients
3 pound honey
1½ inch ginger root
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 tablespoon dried elder flowers
3 long peppers
3 inch cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon grains of paradise
1 gallon water
Method
Spices and herbs were contained in a muslin bag which was added to
the honey and water mixture, boiled for 15 minutes and scum removed.
The hot liquid was transferred to a clean, sterile carboy and allowed to
cool overnight.
April 11th 2003
One packet of D-47 Lalvin yeast was pitched into the cooled must, specific
gravity 1,100.
May 20th 2003
Mead racked off sediment into clean carboy. S.G now 1,030 still
in active ferment. Dead volume was topped up with ¼ cup honey
boiled in 1½ cup water. Returned to complete fermentation.
July 18th 2003
Mead racked off sediment. SG still at 1030, mead is clearing,
good flavor with sweet finish.
September 9th 2003
Mead racked off sediment. SG a little lower at 1028. Mead
is clear with slight bubbles.
December 6th 2003
Mead racked off sediment and into bottles for consumption.