TysonWD
Member
Hey everyone,
I am beginning to assemble the stuff to start my first 5 gallon batch of mead. I have 2 questions that I can't seem to find an answer to. I plan on making a basic mead (no fruit, just honey.) I'm getting married in September, and plan on imbibing a bottle on our anniversaries. To date, I've only brewed beer so am pretty excited since I love mead.
My first question is, I've found a local beekeeper to use as a honey supply. I asked what type of honey he produces, and he said that there's no one specific thing close by. No apple, clover, or wildflower fields. Just the normal things a bee in Southeast Ohio would find. Are there any considerations to using a "wild" honey? Or just go with it and wish for the best? I've tried the honey, its good stuff -- I just hope it makes good mead too .
My second question is -- fermenter size. I had plan on buying a few carboys for wine. That way I can watch it ferment. I was looking at winemaking kits, to see what size fermenters they use. I was going to just buy 2 5 gallon carboys. Should I go for a bigger primary? If so, what size? Also, should I stick with a 5 gallon secondary?
Thanks in advance,
Tyson
I am beginning to assemble the stuff to start my first 5 gallon batch of mead. I have 2 questions that I can't seem to find an answer to. I plan on making a basic mead (no fruit, just honey.) I'm getting married in September, and plan on imbibing a bottle on our anniversaries. To date, I've only brewed beer so am pretty excited since I love mead.
My first question is, I've found a local beekeeper to use as a honey supply. I asked what type of honey he produces, and he said that there's no one specific thing close by. No apple, clover, or wildflower fields. Just the normal things a bee in Southeast Ohio would find. Are there any considerations to using a "wild" honey? Or just go with it and wish for the best? I've tried the honey, its good stuff -- I just hope it makes good mead too .
My second question is -- fermenter size. I had plan on buying a few carboys for wine. That way I can watch it ferment. I was looking at winemaking kits, to see what size fermenters they use. I was going to just buy 2 5 gallon carboys. Should I go for a bigger primary? If so, what size? Also, should I stick with a 5 gallon secondary?
Thanks in advance,
Tyson