Our first bulk mead, where we fermented three gallons at a time and separated them out for flavoring after primary fermentation had finished.

After a month, we noticed that fermentation had stalled out, and went ahead and split the mead into three different gallon carboys. This gallon was dedicated to a mead Brendan loves from Honeygirl Meadery, a lavender lemon session mead. We’d made a lavender tincture (fresh lavender + vodka) a few weeks before to throw in, as well as adding the zest and juice of a lemon.

Though we definitely overshot the “session” label after adding 5oz of vodka and went a little too heavy on the lemon, the lavender balances this sweet mead out nicely.

Brew Notes

Ingredients

Honey: 9 lbs. Wildflower (CostCo $13.99/5 lbs)
Yeast: 1 pkt Redstar Premier Blanc
Water: 2.5 gal Spring Water (Nature’s Promise $2.99/2.5 gal)

Primary Fermentation Started: May 29 2022.
—Starting Gravity: 1.104
Nutrients Added: 3tsp, Jun 26 2022
—Gravity: 1.044
Secondary Fermentation Started: Jul 4 2022
—Secondary Gravity: 1.040
—Flavoring Added: 5oz lavender tincture, 2oz lemon juice, lemon zest
Cold Crashed: Jul 6 2022
—Gravity: 1.012
Bottled: Jul 9 2022
—Finished Gravity: 1.012

Label: Unlabeled
Estimated ABV: 12.9%

Inventory

• 6 x 16oz

• 2 x 8oz