Caramel Apple Mead

[Ryan]

Are you suppose to bring anything to a boil? It seems like you would want to after the grains were steeped and the dme was added. But I didn't see anything mentioned and I'm going to get a batch going soon.

 

[summersolstice]

Steep only - no boil.

 

[Ryan]

Thanks SS. I am about to get this going. I can't wait!

 

[Ryan]

This bad boy is bubbling away right now. I have a feeling this is going to be very, very good. I am glad I have a couple other batches going right now so that I can let this one get some age on it.

 

[meading_of_minds]

Thanks for sharing this recipe. I based my latest mead batch off this one. I'm basically making caramel mead (i hope). I put it in the primary yesterday and it was bubbling along by bedtime, one bubble every three seconds.

Given my hubby's preferences, I decided to forgo the apple, although I may try this at a later date including the apple.

 

[InYerMouth]

Got the buckwheat oredered today....will be starting this one in the next couple weeks!! cant wait!! Keep us posted on any taste tests so I know what to look forward to!!

 

[meading_of_minds]

Well, I'm going to tell ya' make twice as much as you think. It was soooo good. Even young. I'm already planning to make a 5 gal. batch (I already purchased the DME). I'm working on accumulating enough honey for a bigger batch. I only made 1 gal and only put up three bottles to age. My DH drank the entire sample I gave him and said, make more!

 

[InYerMouth]

I put this into a primary last night. The only issue I had is that I used an exra lb of honey initially and my OG came out at 1.146!!! Im worried now that it may come out like rocket fuel because if it attenuates all the way it will be 18%. I read up on the yeast and accordingto the website the yeast should handle it, Im just worried about finished quality. Any thoughts or suggestion? anyone else ever come out this high??

 

[LightningInABottle]

Mine came out at 18% too. It was a bit harsh when I first tasted it, but I'm gonna let it sit for a year before I bottle it. So I expect it to mellow out a bit.

 

[InYerMouth]

how long ago did you start bulk aging?? Any progress?

 

[meading_of_minds]

My little batch, I did not bulk age. I am going to give that a try with my second 5 gal. batch. I just racked to secondary, with about 3/4 gal. lees & leftovers (which I thought would be easier to separate out in a smaller container and leave me mead to top off with). This one is fermenting slower than my last. Only one bottle left from my first batch. I tucked it away!

 

[LightningInABottle]

It has been bulk ageing since 1-29-2010. It is a bit mellower. It came out at 18% abv. I plan on letting it sit the summer and then bottling it in November.

 

[InYerMouth]

I guess as long as it is 18% and drinkanble I will be happy. Im just worried its gonna be to strong to enjoy....

 

[theschick]

I am having a hard time finding orange blossom honey locally. I know I can order some online, but what do you think of using just clover? I've never had orange blossom, so I don't know how much of a citrus flavor it has. Would adding fresh orange juice be a silly idea?

 

[meading_of_minds]

I've not been using Orange Blossom honey with my batches. I've been using just basic clover honey available from Sam's. My first batch was so good, it's completely gone. My second (larger) batch is still aging in my brew area in my kitchen. I'm going to move it downstairs to my basement if it stays this warm, though.
A little bit of orange added to the mix might add an interesting depth to the flavors.

 

[Cheapspkrs111]

Summer- I made this recipe as my first homebrew ever! I am very excited. I just racked into my secondary and everything is going great as far as specific gravity...My concern is that I tried a little and I actually thought it was rocket fuel!!! Please tell me that when I rack onto the buckwheat and bulk age it it will mellow out.....I hope.....I pray....

 

[InYerMouth]

Whipped this up 5 mos ago and coming around amazingly!!! Def tastes better chilled....Cant wait for another 6 mos to go by!!!!

 

[theschick]

This is quite a pathetic post here, but...After many attempts, I have this mead stuck at 1.030. I'm not asking for assistance on that, I've been down that road. I'm down to making another 5 gallon batch and mixing the two. The second batch will ideally be quite a bit lower in gravity.

Now for the pathetic part. Anyone willing to let me try a finished version of this? I would really feel dumb having 10 gallons of something I don't like. And with the costs associated with the honey and everything, it would be a monumental waste.

 

[InYerMouth]

This is quite a pathetic post here, but...After many attempts, I have this mead stuck at 1.030. I'm not asking for assistance on that, I've been down that road. I'm down to making another 5 gallon batch and mixing the two. The second batch will ideally be quite a bit lower in gravity.

Now for the pathetic part. Anyone willing to let me try a finished version of this? I would really feel dumb having 10 gallons of something I don't like. And with the costs associated with the honey and everything, it would be a monumental waste.

Mine finished at 1.028. My advice....just dont back sweeten. Bulk age and let it sit...Thats what I did and it ages out fine....just takes time....the more time you let it sit the better it will become!!

 

[theschick]

You didn't find 1.028 too sweet? I have no problem letting it age, my plan is to wait until next September (its already 4 months old now), and sure wasn't going to back sweeten! Thanks for the post, it makes me feel better about my high gravity.

 

[InYerMouth]

I did not....It tasted very strong initially....YOu have to figure back sweetening with the 1lb of buckwheat would of put it back pretty close to that gravity anyway....

I say let it sit....I am however def no mead expert....lol

 

[Bullshivit-brew]

What are you bulk aging in?

 

[theschick]

Glass carboy for me.

 

[Cheapspkrs111]

I am aging in a better bottle. Since we're on the subject I have around 1/2" of air space below the neck. The air space does not even come half way to the side of the carboy. Is that OK?

 

[Bullshivit-brew]

Ya ya sorry for the typo you try doing all your typing on a blackberry with 3hr sleep working midnights and see how it works out for you! Lmao. Are you guys just corking your carboys for long ageing or leaving the airlock in it?

 

[theschick]

I have an airlock. I'm just make sure it hasn't tried out time to time.

 

[InYerMouth]

I was using a keg...Just bottled to free the keg tho...

 

[Cheapspkrs111]

Still trying to figure out if I have too much air in the "better bottle" with an "air lock for bulk aging" that may or may not be o.k. because it "tastes like rocket fuel."

 

[Bullshivit-brew]

I have only made mead once so far but that is what it was like until it aged. I would think as long as the bottle is sealed good you should be fine

 

[LightningInABottle]

I am aging in a better bottle. Since we're on the subject I have around 1/2" of air space below the neck. The air space does not even come half way to the side of the carboy. Is that OK?

That should be ok. Some people claim that better bottles are bad for bulk aging. I have been letting mine sit for 10 months in a glass carboy with an airlock. If it is hot then you might get a glass carboy and rack over to it. Plan on aging it for a year before you think about bottling. If you do rack it over to a glass carboy be sure to top the carboy off with water till you reach the neck.