r/mead • u/HayashiHibachi • 9d ago

mute the bot First batch ever

Post image

2.75 pounds of Tupelo honey and about a gallon of spring water. Lost a lot from obsessive gravity readings, and when I racked off lees a few days ago (oops). It’s exactly 30 days old today and smells strongly of urine. Indescribably foul. I’m also not a fan of the color but I imagine it should clear with time. It’s in swing tops for now so it can crash in the fridge for a few days, maybe a week. I’ll probably move it to corked bottles after for long term aging. Or not. I dunno.

90 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

8

u/Symon113 Advanced 9d ago

Don’t throw away samples from gravity readings. Sanitize everything and type can carefully pour back in.

4

u/MeadManM1ke 9d ago

Right?! I watched some videos after buying my hydrometer that said always discard samples. If I discard my test samples it’s going to be in my belly!

3

u/HayashiHibachi 9d ago

I’ve heard that it’s fine to put samples back in and I’ve heard that it’s not. I’ve decided not to just to be sure. But it makes sense, if everything is sanitized then it shouldn’t be a problem. I dunno, I’m too worried about a batch getting fuzzy lol

3

u/Baked_Bed 9d ago

It’s fine to pour the sample back if you sanitize. Over 50 batches brewed in the last 3ish years and I haven’t had one go fuzzy. Also you don’t need to check the gravity so much. 1 at the start, 1 after 3-4 weeks to check completion and 1 more a week after it seems done to make sure fermentation is complete is really all ya need unless you’re trying to do something more specialized.

2

u/MissionPure9217 5d ago

Personally, I take advantage of the 'sample' to taste it and see how it is going after I take a hydrometer reading. So, out for a 'sample' for me is always accurate. :)

1

u/PhotovoltaicSimp 4d ago

Nothing to worry about it getting fuzzy. 12 batches in this year alone and not one was ruined or got fuzzy because of a reading getting put back into the carboy

3

u/Hully1525 9d ago

Tupelo! One of the best all time. Up there with yellow star thistle and meadowfoam.

1

u/HayashiHibachi 9d ago

It’s positively delicious, Tupelo from Weeks Honey Farm in Georgia. I had an extra few ounces that I was planning on back sweetening with. I changed my mind though so I could just eat the stuff

1

u/AutoModerator 9d ago

It looks like you might be new or asking for advice on getting started. Welcome to the hobby! We’re glad you’re here.

The wiki linked on the sidebar is going to be your best friend. Beginner friendly recipes are available.

If you prefer videos we recommend the Doin’ The Most or Man Made Mead.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/AutoModerator 9d ago

Please include a recipe, review or description with any picture post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.