Different Honeys

[firerat]

Okay so I've decided in gonna try my hand at some mead. I've never made a mead, made wine once that was OK, and have made a handful of ciders that were also ok at best.

The Bray's One Month Mead sounds like a great way to break into making mead.

I just have a simple question. I have a great local source for honey. But they only have 2 types, orange blossom and wildflower.

Is there a major difference in the 2? I mean I guess the best way to answer this is make a gallon of both and answer this myself, but i figured I'd bounce it off the experts to get some feedback.

 

[Dan O]

Okay so I've decided in gonna try my hand at some mead. I've never made a mead, made wine once that was OK, and have made a handful of ciders that were also ok at best.

The Bray's One Month Mead sounds like a great way to break into making mead.

I just have a simple question. I have a great local source for honey. But they only have 2 types, orange blossom and wildflower.

Is there a major difference in the 2? I mean I guess the best way to answer this is make a gallon of both and answer this myself, but i figured I'd bounce it off the experts to get some feedback.

Welcome to the addiction.
Yes, there will be a very distinct difference between those two honeys. Some honeys will taste similar to one another, but wildflower will vary hugely as it is sourced from wildflowers local to the region where the bees are working. Wildflower honey from Southern NH will be completely different from wildflower honey from the next state over, or even a different part of the state that has a different blend of flowers for the bees. Orange blossom has a very distinct flavor, as it is comprised of mostly orange blossoms & typically far different from any wildflower.
BOMM is a great place to start. The recipe is tried & true, the yeast strain is the key with that one. Wyeast 1388 Belgian Strong Ale Yeast, comes in a liquid smack pack.
I hope this helps you.
Happy meading

 

[Maylar]

Wildflower honey from Southern NH will be completely different from wildflower honey from the next state over

And Florida Orange Blossom is different than California Orange Blossom. Who'da thought?

 

[firerat]

Nice!! Appreciate the feedback!!

 

[Dan O]

And Florida Orange Blossom is different than California Orange Blossom. Who'da thought?

Exactly! Mexican orange blossom is different than those as well.

 

[MightyMosin]

and "Orange" Blossom is anything that the bees mostly harvested from citrus trees... so you have that too.

 

[DBhomebrew]

Hence the joy of honing a dead simple 3lb/gal traditional mead recipe. Terroir isn't merely for French wine.