Thinking about making mead...

[Milhouse]

So I have been thinking about making mead for something different. Only thing is I have never tried it, I don't want to invest the time and money if I don't like it.

So basically what commercial mead would you recommend that would be similar to a home brewed mead? I saw some meads in Dan Murphs the other day but if I was thinking of brewing beer and tried iron jack I would run a mile.

 

[dozerz]

probably nothing they stock at dans or any other bwsland place. stone dog would be a good start http://www.stonedog.com.au

pretty much the same as beer but add some more nutrient at intervals, 24, 48 and 72 hours along with a decent yeast (not bread). will take longer than beer to finish but if you can brew beer then mead is easy.

 

[Milhouse]

Thanks, tried to order off their website. Will try a couple of more specialised bottle os.

 

[dozerz]

no worries, can also try thistle https://www.thistlemeadery.com.au/meads

i have heard that maxwell have recently updated their traditional style, can get this at nicks and dans for a decent price but steer clear of the fruit and spiced varieties as these are apparently still very bad. https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_25490/maxwell-honey-mead?

 

[Milhouse]

Thanks, I have seen the maxwell one, my concern is it wouldn't be a fair representation of what I am likely to brew at home. Any thoughts?

 

[dozerz]

maxwell has a reputation of making mass produced bad mead. only recently have they changed their traditional to make actual decent stuff. they list it as a fortified but its more like a wine at 12.5%, should be no reason you cant make much better at home and to your own taste.

the main difference between making beer is time and yeast care. mead will take a lot longer but you can have something good in 4-6 weeks. must is also a much more nutrient free than wort, following the tosna method will speed up fermentation and help with the end result https://www.meadmaderight.com/nutrient-additions.html