First time brewing mead!

[Jimmy_t]

So I stumbled on this forum the other day whilst looking into brewing my own mead and after trawling around I decided upon Joes Ancient Orange Mead recipe as it is said to be the best place for a beginner. Got everything together and started to brew, fermentation started up good and have been bubbling away like mad for about 4 days now. I then noticed it is meant to be done in the dark, and as I have no where that is dark, I covered it to keep it dark. The only problem is, when it is covered it reaches about 90-95 degrees F during the day. I have been reading around and it is recommended to keep it between 65-75 degrees F.

So my question is, will it be okay to brew in the light, and should I ditch the cover, or keep the cover and will it brew alight at that high temperature?

Thanks,

James.

 

[liquiditynerd]

Light is bad but temp is worse, how big is your batch? R u covering it with a sleeping bag or something? That seems to be a big difference.

 

[Jimmy_t]

I am doing 2 gallons but doing it in two containers, both 1 gallon carboys. I wrapped them up in a sheet to block out the light. So look for something thinner and less insulating but still blocks the light?

 

[ETOHonboard]

I haven't done mead but want to try it this year. I usually cover my carboys with a grocery paper bag and that doesn't seem to affect my temps too greatly.

 

[fatbloke]

Aluminium cooking foil. No insulation properties and keeps out the light a treat.......

 

[Jimmy_t]

Aluminium cooking foil. No insulation properties and keeps out the light a treat.......

This is perfect!

Thank you very much fine sir!

James.

 

[MarshmallowBlue]

A cold wet towel will also work, especially if the daytime temps are hitting the mid 90s.