Why not just throw in the cubes? It's not like they are going to turn into mush...
Because they will just float. You need to submerse the cubes, in order to gain the full benefits of oak.
They will sink, right?
I haven't used cubes - but have used chips and spirals and they sink after they get meadlogged (that's code for water logged )
They could, and I thought about it, but they float just long enough that they may allow any bacteria to manifest and colonize before sinking into the mead. Just being cautious!
Also, instead of racking off the cubes after only a week you can reach in with a long Sanitized hook and pull the bag out of the carboy with the cubes in it. So much easier than racking.
But what bacteria is going to be crazy enough to latch on to sanitized oak and try to multiply in ~15+% ABV mead?
I guess in my case (throw 'em in) - "the lazy man works twice as hard."
Since I either have to rack or fish them out....
"Life will find a way"
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