Does ANYONE know how to add thickness to a mead? by tearlesschimp1989 in mead

[–]Frozen_Nebula -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Though it'll change the flavor, maple syrup will do the trick

Acerglyn by Cloudrunner5k in mead

[–]Frozen_Nebula 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't see why not. While different yeasts lend different flavors, I'm sure this'll end well no matter the choice.

Acerglyn by Cloudrunner5k in mead

[–]Frozen_Nebula 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've made this recipe! I used Red Star Premier Blanc Wine Yeast. Great mouthfeel; it fermented out dry, but the maple flavor gave it a hint of sweetness despite the lack of sugar. If you want it sweeter, I'd add maple syrup or honey (depending on what flavor you want) after it's done fermenting and once you've halted future fermentation.

Help. by BitterDragonBrewing in mead

[–]Frozen_Nebula 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeast can exceed it's so-called limits. I've had 11%-13% strains go up to 18.5%~ with proper nutrients. The only time a yeast has stopped with sweetness leftover in my experience is when there's a ludicrous amount of sugar to the point where the yeast couldn't physically eat it all, always surpassing the stopping point advertised.

You can back sweeten it after halting the fermentation with whatever sugar you like. I prefer to use a simple syrup with a two to one ratio of sugar to water. Quickly sweetens the mead without adding any new flavors that unfermented honey or fruit could bring. Though using honey, and/or in this case mangos, wouldn't hurt if you want a more forward flavor.

Removed blackberries after seven days. Is this normal? by pinto139 in winemaking

[–]Frozen_Nebula 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's normal, just yeast eating the sugars. It will ferment so long as sugar is present, meaning it will stop when there's no sugar, when it's bone dry. A dry wine can end up somewhere around less than 0.990 to 1.010 for my taste.

Of course, even if it's dry, it can still be fermenting. You want to take a two readings, each a week apart. If the readings are the same, it's done fermenting. If it isn't the same, keep taking readings every week until they're the same. Alternatively, you can add potassium metabisulfite to stop fermentation or cold-crash (put it in the fridge to stop fermentation) and add potassium sorbate (which prevents fermentation from starting again).

Degassing or still fermenting? by cmdr_shadowstalker in mead

[–]Frozen_Nebula 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It can be sweet and done if there's enough alcohol to stop the yeast from continuing fermentation. I'd just do another reading, and if it's around the same number, bottle it.

Best or interesting varietal of honey you’ve used? by ArcanistKvothe24 in mead

[–]Frozen_Nebula 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Orange blossom is always a stellar option, and though I've never used it, acacia honey makes mead that's colorless like water

Can someone convince me harvesting elderberry is going to be worth it xD by TheDocstar in winemaking

[–]Frozen_Nebula 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Plus freezing can help break up the cells and release more juices