Buckwheat Metheglin?

[landsknechte]

So, I started a buckwheat mead. I didn't stop and think about the fact that it's a very strong variety. So, instead of a traditional, maybe I could do a metheglin.

What would work with buckwheat? Cinnamon/Vanilla? If so, how much would you all suggest? I did a 1 gallon batch with 2.2 lbs of honey.

Thanks.

 

[shanecb]

Buckwheat honey is great! I love its bold flavor. I've often thought it might taste good with some anise, but not everyone likes anise. Vanilla and cinnamon would probably be a nice combination with it.

 

[landsknechte]

Okay, so the OG was 1.080 or 1.082 thereabouts and six days later I just measured it as 1.012 or 1.014 so we are chugging along.

Tasted it and it kind of has a dirty malt flavour, kind of a cheap boozy grape wine and a vaguely rum kind of character. Obviously the hot alcohol flavour too. Gonna rack it on maybe Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week so November 29th or 30th.

Secondary, gonna add some sort of whole spices. Probably vanilla and cinnamon. Maybe just one or the other. Let it sit in there for a bit and then bottle, hopefully it will be good to go for a sort of mulled wine x-mas style drink.

 

[landsknechte]

Sweet jesus, just tasted this today and honestly, it's bad. I know they say to wait for up to a year but I would rather dump the remainder to free up bottles.

Sorry buckwheat lovers, it's a no for me. Way too strong, none of the attractive qualities that clover-alfalfa had for me even when it was still a bit 'green'. Even then it had a certain delicate quality.

At least the cinnamon and vanilla tasted good together. Something to keep in mind for future adventures. Oh well, live and learn!

 

[honeycon]

You may be way too hasty in dumping your brew. Some of the "funky" stuff takes as long as 4 month to turn the corner and start to taste good. If you used a wine yeast it will take your mead to dry fast. If not too late, try coaxing it along with small amounts of better tasting honey till it reaches a higher ABV. Stir it up once a week or so and keeping your temps in the mid-sixties. A young, dry, low ABV buckwheat honey sounds like a vile brew. Buckwheat honey by it self is not for me. Blended it can be very good.