The Brewing Process

Of a Basic Short Mead: Part 1

So, you want to get into home brewing?

Wait, you don’t?

We Can Fix That!

! Homebrewing is an awesome hobby.

! Homebrewing is an awesome hobby.

!   It’s cheaper than buying from the store.

! Homebrewing is an awesome hobby.

!   It’s cheaper than buying from the store.

!   It’s rewarding.

! Homebrewing is an awesome hobby.

!   It’s cheaper than buying from the store.

!   It’s rewarding.

!   Once you start it, you can forget about it!

! Homebrewing is an awesome hobby.

!   It’s cheaper than buying from the store.

!   It’s rewarding.

!   Once you start it, you can forget about it!

!   You can impress your friends with your poignant brew

! Homebrewing is an awesome hobby.

!   It’s cheaper than buying from the store.

!   It’s rewarding.

!   Once you start it, you can forget about it!

!   You can impress your friends with your poignant brew

The Honey Factor

Orange Blossom Honey

!   The most aromatic of all honeys; it smells like an orange grove in full bloom.

Orange Blossom Honey

!   The most aromatic of all honeys; it smells like an orange grove in full bloom.

!   This honey comes from the citrus groves of southern California.

Orange Blossom Honey

!   The most aromatic of all honeys; it smells like an orange grove in full bloom.

!   This honey comes from the citrus groves of southern California.

!   Average price is $3.50 per pound.

Orange Blossom Honey

!   The most aromatic of all honeys; it smells like an orange grove in full bloom.

!   This honey comes from the citrus groves of southern California.

!   Average price is $3.50 per pound.

Wild Buckwheat Honey

!   A relatively dark honey, with a very strong flavor resembling malt.

Wild Buckwheat Honey

!   A relatively dark honey, with a very strong flavor resembling malt.

!   Usually made from the wild buckwheat of Washington state.

Wild Buckwheat Honey

!   A relatively dark honey, with a very strong flavor resembling malt.

!   Usually made from the wild buckwheat of Washington state.

!   Average price is $3 per pound.

Wild Buckwheat Honey

!   A relatively dark honey, with a very strong flavor resembling malt.

!   Usually made from the wild buckwheat of Washington state.

!   Average price is $3 per pound.

Clover Honey

!   A very light honey.

Clover Honey

!   A very light honey.

!   The moisture levels tend to run on the high side, at about 18 percent, making clover honey a candidate for quick use.

Clover Honey

!   A very light honey.

!   The moisture levels tend to run on the high side, at about 18 percent, making clover honey a candidate for quick use.

!   Low ash and acid contend making for a softer flavor profile.

Clover Honey

!   A very light honey.

!   The moisture levels tend to run on the high side, at about 18 percent, making clover honey a candidate for quick use.

!   Low ash and acid contend making for a softer flavor profile.

!   It’s a great choice for flavored meads such as a Metheglyn.

Clover Honey

!   A very light honey.

!   The moisture levels tend to run on the high side, at about 18 percent, making clover honey a candidate for quick use.

!   Low ash and acid contend making for a softer flavor profile.

!   It’s a great choice for flavored meads such as a Metheglyn.

!   Average price is $2.50 per pound.

Clover Honey

!   A very light honey.

!   The moisture levels tend to run on the high side, at about 18 percent, making clover honey a candidate for quick use.

!   Low ash and acid contend making for a softer flavor profile.

!   It’s a great choice for flavored meads such as a Metheglyn.

!   Average price is $2.50 per pound.

Wildflower Honey

!   Wildflower honey can be very unique, with special flavors.

Wildflower Honey

!   Wildflower honey can be very unique, with special flavors.

!   Plants such as wild thyme, bramble and hawthorne are often sources of nectar for this honey.

Wildflower Honey

!   Wildflower honey can be very unique, with special flavors.

!   Plants such as wild thyme, bramble and hawthorne are often sources of nectar for this honey.

!   Average price is $3 per pound.

Wildflower Honey

!   Wildflower honey can be very unique, with special flavors.

!   Plants such as wild thyme, bramble and hawthorne are often sources of nectar for this honey.

!   Average price is $3 per pound.

Sage Honey

!   A light-flavored honey with good aromatic qualities.

Sage Honey

!   A light-flavored honey with good aromatic qualities.

!   Primarily from the California coast and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Sage Honey

!   A light-flavored honey with good aromatic qualities.

!   Primarily from the California coast and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

!   The color of sage honey is usually white or water-white.

Sage Honey

!   A light-flavored honey with good aromatic qualities.

!   Primarily from the California coast and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

!   The color of sage honey is usually white or water-white.

!   Average price is $2.50 per pound.

Sage Honey

!   A light-flavored honey with good aromatic qualities.

!   Primarily from the California coast and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

!   The color of sage honey is usually white or water-white.

!   Average price is $2.50 per pound.

Tupelo Honey

!   This light, golden-amber table honey is prized because it does not crystallize.

Tupelo Honey

!   This light, golden-amber table honey is prized because it does not crystallize.

!   Made from the nectar of the flowers of the Ogeechee lime tupelo trees, which grow only in the swamps of northern Florida and southern Georgia.

Tupelo Honey

!   This light, golden-amber table honey is prized because it does not crystallize.

!   Made from the nectar of the flowers of the Ogeechee lime tupelo trees, which grow only in the swamps of northern Florida and southern Georgia.

!   Tupelo honey is rare and the most expensive in America.

Tupelo Honey

!   This light, golden-amber table honey is prized because it does not crystallize.

!   Made from the nectar of the flowers of the Ogeechee lime tupelo trees, which grow only in the swamps of northern Florida and southern Georgia.

!   Tupelo honey is rare and the most expensive in America.

!   Average price is $4.50 to $5 per pound.

Tupelo Honey

!   This light, golden-amber table honey is prized because it does not crystallize.

!   Made from the nectar of the flowers of the Ogeechee lime tupelo trees, which grow only in the swamps of northern Florida and southern Georgia.

!   Tupelo honey is rare and the most expensive in America.

!   Average price is $4.50 to $5 per pound.

Huajillo Honey

!   This honey comes from the white flower of a native bush that grows in the south Texas chaparral or brush country.

Huajillo Honey

!   This honey comes from the white flower of a native bush that grows in the south Texas chaparral or brush country.

!   The color can be very light but it varies more year to year than other honeys.

Huajillo Honey

!   This honey comes from the white flower of a native bush that grows in the south Texas chaparral or brush country.

!   The color can be very light but it varies more year to year than other honeys.

!   Average price is $2.50 to $3 per pound.

Huajillo Honey

!   This honey comes from the white flower of a native bush that grows in the south Texas chaparral or brush country.

!   The color can be very light but it varies more year to year than other honeys.

!   Average price is $2.50 to $3 per pound.

Those ‘Lil Yeastie Beasties

There are two basic types of yeast used in home brewing…

Dry Yeast

Wet Yeast

Dry Yeast

!   The most common and readily available of yeasts.

Dry Yeast

!   The most common and readily available of yeasts.

!   Comes in small packets

Dry Yeast

!   The most common and readily available of yeasts.

!   Comes in small packets

!   Easy to use

Dry Yeast

!   The most common and readily available of yeasts.

!   Comes in small packets

!   Easy to use

!   Great for beginners!

Dry Yeast

!   The most common and readily available of yeasts.

!   Comes in small packets

!   Easy to use

!   Great for beginners!

Fleischmann’s

!   Available in most grocery stores.

Fleischmann’s

!   Available in most grocery stores.

!   A perfect beginners yeast.

Fleischmann’s

!   Available in most grocery stores.

!   A perfect beginners yeast.

!   Creates a medium-dry full palate mead

Fleischmann’s

!   Available in most grocery stores.

!   A perfect beginners yeast.

!   Creates a medium-dry full palate mead

Lalvin ICV D-47

!   A vigorous white wine yeast that will leave a wine very full bodied with enhanced mouth-feel.

Lalvin ICV D-47

!   A vigorous white wine yeast that will leave a wine very full bodied with enhanced mouth-feel.

!   Accentuates varietal character and contributes ripe tropical fruit and citrus notes.

Lalvin ICV D-47

!   A vigorous white wine yeast that will leave a wine very full bodied with enhanced mouth-feel.

!   Accentuates varietal character and contributes ripe tropical fruit and citrus notes.

Lalvin EC-1118

!   A low foaming, vigorous and fast fermenter.

Lalvin EC-1118

!   A low foaming, vigorous and fast fermenter.

!   A very competitive yeast that will inhibit wild yeasts. It will restart stuck fermentations because of good alcohol and sulfite tolerance.

Lalvin EC-1118

!   A low foaming, vigorous and fast fermenter.

!   A very competitive yeast that will inhibit wild yeasts. It will restart stuck fermentations because of good alcohol and sulfite tolerance.

!   A popular strain that ferments fully and flocculates well producing compact lees.

Lalvin EC-1118

!   A low foaming, vigorous and fast fermenter.

!   A very competitive yeast that will inhibit wild yeasts. It will restart stuck fermentations because of good alcohol and sulfite tolerance.

!   A popular strain that ferments fully and flocculates well producing compact lees.

Lalvin K1-V1116

!   A vigorous and competitive fermenter that, because of its neutral effect on varietal character, is very well suited to fruit wines as well as wines to be made from grapes and fresh fruit.

Lalvin K1-V1116

!   A vigorous and competitive fermenter that, because of its neutral effect on varietal character, is very well suited to fruit wines as well as wines to be made from grapes and fresh fruit.

Wet Yeast !   Yeast also comes in liquid packets that are already hydrated and

ready to pitch into your must.

Wet Yeast !   Yeast also comes in liquid packets that are already hydrated and

ready to pitch into your must.

!   This type of yeast (liquid) come in what is often called a "Smack Pack".

Wet Yeast !   Yeast also comes in liquid packets that are already hydrated and

ready to pitch into your must.

!   This type of yeast (liquid) come in what is often called a "Smack Pack".

!   This is because it is dormant and there is a nutrient pack inside the package. You smack the package which breaks the inner seal and the activation begins.

Wet Yeast !   Yeast also comes in liquid packets that are already hydrated and

ready to pitch into your must.

!   This type of yeast (liquid) come in what is often called a "Smack Pack".

!   This is because it is dormant and there is a nutrient pack inside the package. You smack the package which breaks the inner seal and the activation begins.

!   Complete instructions come with this kind of yeast.

Wet Yeast !   Yeast also comes in liquid packets that are already hydrated and

ready to pitch into your must.

!   This type of yeast (liquid) come in what is often called a "Smack Pack".

!   This is because it is dormant and there is a nutrient pack inside the package. You smack the package which breaks the inner seal and the activation begins.

!   Complete instructions come with this kind of yeast.

!   Usually takes about three hours for the activation to be ready then you can pitch it into your must.

Wet Yeast !   Yeast also comes in liquid packets that are already hydrated and

ready to pitch into your must.

!   This type of yeast (liquid) come in what is often called a "Smack Pack".

!   This is because it is dormant and there is a nutrient pack inside the package. You smack the package which breaks the inner seal and the activation begins.

!   Complete instructions come with this kind of yeast.

!   Usually takes about three hours for the activation to be ready then you can pitch it into your must.

Glass or Plastic?

The Plastic Fermentation Vessel

Most brewers start fermenting in a 5 gallon food grade plastic bucket. These buckets are:

Most brewers start fermenting in a 5 gallon food grade plastic bucket. These buckets are:

Cheap

Most brewers start fermenting in a 5 gallon food grade plastic bucket. These buckets are:

Cheap Durable

Most brewers start fermenting in a 5 gallon food grade plastic bucket. These buckets are:

Cheap Durable Relatively easy to clean

Most brewers start fermenting in a 5 gallon food grade plastic bucket. These buckets are:

Cheap Durable Relatively easy to clean

However the plastic bucket has both advantages and disadvantages.

Most brewers start fermenting in a 5 gallon food grade plastic bucket. These buckets are:

Cheap Durable Relatively easy to clean

However the plastic bucket has both advantages and disadvantages.

!   The plastic bucket is easy to clean – since the entire top comes off, you can reach in and scrub any grime off in a few minutes

!   The plastic bucket is easy to clean – since the entire top comes off, you can reach in and scrub any grime off in a few minutes

!   Plastic is durable – if you do drop the bucket it is unlikely it will break, and they do last a long time

!   The plastic bucket is easy to clean – since the entire top comes off, you can reach in and scrub any grime off in a few minutes

!   Plastic is durable – if you do drop the bucket it is unlikely it will break, and they do last a long time

!   Plastic is harder to sanitize completely – over time it does get small scratches on the inside which can be a haven for bacteria and germs, which is why most brewers recommend replacing plastic buckets after a year or two

!   The plastic bucket is easy to clean – since the entire top comes off, you can reach in and scrub any grime off in a few minutes

!   Plastic is durable – if you do drop the bucket it is unlikely it will break, and they do last a long time

!   Plastic is harder to sanitize completely – over time it does get small scratches on the inside which can be a haven for bacteria and germs, which is why most brewers recommend replacing plastic buckets after a year or two

!   Plastic is not suitable for long term storage of mead (i.e. months), as it is permeable to air

!   The plastic bucket is easy to clean – since the entire top comes off, you can reach in and scrub any grime off in a few minutes

!   Plastic is durable – if you do drop the bucket it is unlikely it will break, and they do last a long time

!   Plastic is harder to sanitize completely – over time it does get small scratches on the inside which can be a haven for bacteria and germs, which is why most brewers recommend replacing plastic buckets after a year or two

!   Plastic is not suitable for long term storage of mead (i.e. months), as it is permeable to air

!   Many plastic buckets have a poor seal between the bucket and cover – which can result in air being introduced as well as the brewer thinking fermentation is done prematurely (as the airlock has stopped bubbling due to the leaks)

!   The plastic bucket is easy to clean – since the entire top comes off, you can reach in and scrub any grime off in a few minutes

!   Plastic is durable – if you do drop the bucket it is unlikely it will break, and they do last a long time

!   Plastic is harder to sanitize completely – over time it does get small scratches on the inside which can be a haven for bacteria and germs, which is why most brewers recommend replacing plastic buckets after a year or two

!   Plastic is not suitable for long term storage of mead (i.e. months), as it is permeable to air

!   Many plastic buckets have a poor seal between the bucket and cover – which can result in air being introduced as well as the brewer thinking fermentation is done prematurely (as the airlock has stopped bubbling due to the leaks)

The Glass Carboy

!   Impermeable to Air – Air cannot penetrate the glass, so you can leave your fermented mead in a glass carboy for months without worrying about it being spoiled by aeration.

!   Impermeable to Air – Air cannot penetrate the glass, so you can leave your fermented mead in a glass carboy for months without worrying about it being spoiled by aeration.

!   Easy to Sanitize – Glass will not pit or scratch like plastic, so you don’t have to worry about scratches creating havens for bacteria.

!   Impermeable to Air – Air cannot penetrate the glass, so you can leave your fermented mead in a glass carboy for months without worrying about it being spoiled by aeration.

!   Easy to Sanitize – Glass will not pit or scratch like plastic, so you don’t have to worry about scratches creating havens for bacteria.

!   You can Watch Your Brew – While not a huge deal, many brewers like being able to see the mead as it is fermenting to get an idea of the size of the Krausen layer, how active the fermentation is and how much sediment has formed.

!   Impermeable to Air – Air cannot penetrate the glass, so you can leave your fermented mead in a glass carboy for months without worrying about it being spoiled by aeration.

!   Easy to Sanitize – Glass will not pit or scratch like plastic, so you don’t have to worry about scratches creating havens for bacteria.

!   You can Watch Your Brew – While not a huge deal, many brewers like being able to see the mead as it is fermenting to get an idea of the size of the Krausen layer, how active the fermentation is and how much sediment has formed.

!   Harder to Clean – After fermentation is complete and you have transferred or bottled your mead, it can be harder to clean a glass carboy than a plastic bucket.

!   Impermeable to Air – Air cannot penetrate the glass, so you can leave your fermented mead in a glass carboy for months without worrying about it being spoiled by aeration.

!   Easy to Sanitize – Glass will not pit or scratch like plastic, so you don’t have to worry about scratches creating havens for bacteria.

!   You can Watch Your Brew – While not a huge deal, many brewers like being able to see the mead as it is fermenting to get an idea of the size of the Krausen layer, how active the fermentation is and how much sediment has formed.

!   Harder to Clean – After fermentation is complete and you have transferred or bottled your mead, it can be harder to clean a glass carboy than a plastic bucket.

!   Easy to Break – Carboys are difficult to lift and maneuver, and will shatter if you bump them against any solid surface. Breaking a full carboy can be a safety hazard as well as a huge mess.

!   Impermeable to Air – Air cannot penetrate the glass, so you can leave your fermented mead in a glass carboy for months without worrying about it being spoiled by aeration.

!   Easy to Sanitize – Glass will not pit or scratch like plastic, so you don’t have to worry about scratches creating havens for bacteria.

!   You can Watch Your Brew – While not a huge deal, many brewers like being able to see the mead as it is fermenting to get an idea of the size of the Krausen layer, how active the fermentation is and how much sediment has formed.

!   Harder to Clean – After fermentation is complete and you have transferred or bottled your mead, it can be harder to clean a glass carboy than a plastic bucket.

!   Easy to Break – Carboys are difficult to lift and maneuver, and will shatter if you bump them against any solid surface. Breaking a full carboy can be a safety hazard as well as a huge mess.

Congratulations!

You’ve made it!

Stay Tuned for our next installment!

Until Then…

Happy Brewing!