Lees?

[Padawan]

Hello i had a stalled mead which i corrected and now it is close to if not done fermenting. my question is can i or should i age my mead on the lees? Or should i get the mead off of the lees a.s.a.p.?

 

[Arpolis]

What yeast are you using? Some yeast you do want to rack off soon like Lalvin 71B. Other yeast are incuragd to age on the leese for a while to incurage different flavors like Lalvin D47 if fermented cool. Most of my meads go up to 3 - 4 months on the leese then I usually rack then.

 

[Yooper]

I rack whenever I have lees over about 1/4" thick, or any lees at all after about 60 days. I do not like the flavor that leaving the mead on the lees imparts.

 

[fatbloke]

Whereas as long as I've used a yeast where it isn't an issue, I rack off the gross lees once the ferment is complete then just let it clear. Only ageing on a small layer so as not too end up with too much of the taste.

A little can be good, a lot less so.....