First mead try, quick question

smackythefrog · 02-15-2010, 06:13 PM

I have a strawberry melomel kit from AHS and I'm getting to the point in the instructions to stabilize and clarify. It states that after adding potassium metabisulphite and potassium sorbate that I should "de gass the mead for two minutes". What exactly is "de gass" I want to assume that I just let it sit uncovered but I don't want to take anything for granted.

bubbachunk · 02-15-2010, 06:26 PM

No that will not degas your mead but instead leave it open to infection. Degasing has to do with removing the remaining CO2 from solution.

One option is explained here and is cheap: Degaser

**summersolstice** · 02-15-2010, 07:14 PM

You'd be better off filling a carboy and allowing it to bulk age.

smackythefrog · 02-16-2010, 03:18 AM

Wow! That is exactly why I ask question before I do anything I'm unsure about. I have no problem with waiting so it's not a big deal. I'll just set the clarifying agents aside. Thanks for the help.

**summersolstice** · 02-16-2010, 11:17 AM

The "degassing" that the instructions call for is a means of driving off excess CO2 by whipping or vigorously stirring the must. While the introduction of oxygen into the must at an early stage helps fermentation a lot of us think that this can cause oxidation in your mead at this stage of the process. Bulk aging will do the same thing. Be sure to top off your secondary.

johnnyo1977 · 02-16-2010, 07:01 PM

if you rack it to another carboy and add a air lock and shake it once or twice a day for a week will this help with degassing while not alowing oxygen to get in to the mead?

**summersolstice** · 02-16-2010, 07:24 PM

I suppose it would but just allowing it to sit for six months to a year will do the same, as well as add crystal clarity.

bubbachunk · 02-16-2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summersolstice

I suppose it would but just allowing it to sit for six months to a year will do the same, as well as add crystal clarity.

Agreed, time is your best friend with meads or wines.

**jezter6** · 02-16-2010, 08:54 PM

I'm with these guys in the "don't muck with it - time will do everything for you" camp.

I've finally got myself to let things age without trying to mess with it. Got a mead from June still in the carboy that's not clearing. I gave "time" it's due - now it's time to play with chemicals..but I wouldn't try messing with it until it's had time to do it's job.

gratus fermentatio · 02-17-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jezter6

I'm with these guys in the "don't muck with it - time will do everything for you" camp.

+1, Mead takes time & the ability to leave it alone. Regards, GF.