Traditional Mead
Total timeline: 208 days (28 fermentation + 180 aging)
- Day 0
Mix must
Dissolve honey in warm water, top to 1 gal, cool to 70°F.
- Day 0
Pitch yeast
Add nutrient and yeast. Shake to aerate.
- Day 1-3
Staggered nutrient additions
Add 1/4 nutrient at 24, 48, 72h.
- Day 0-28
Primary
Ferment at 65-70°F until SG ~1.000 (3-4 weeks).
- Day 28-180
Rack + age
Rack off lees and bulk age 2-6 months.
- Day 180
Bottle
Bottle and rest. Mead improves with 6+ months.