I tried making a 1 gallon batch of Joe's Ancient Orange this summer and really enjoyed it as did anyone else who tried it!! 1 gallon obviously wasn't enough so I started another batch of Joe's Ancient Orange with the addition of black raspberries this fall but closer to a 4 gallon batch. I made a few measurement changes to achieve the dryness I desired as well as simmering the must ingredients to extract more flavour. I also racked after 1 month to prevent any potential spoilage/mould on the fruit sitting above the liquid.
My question comes after reading some threads here. Did I leave too much headspace after racking? Is the white film on the top a problem?
I was hoping to bottle before Christmas but since it hasn't cleared yet I'm guessing it would be wise to wait? What are the issues with bottling now?
Also, how concerned do I need to be with introducing oxygen to the mead? I'd like to taste test often but I don't know if removing the airlock is potentially letting in too much oxygen.
Here are some photos from December 22nd which will hopefully help in answering my questions! Thanks GotMead forum!!
My question comes after reading some threads here. Did I leave too much headspace after racking? Is the white film on the top a problem?
I was hoping to bottle before Christmas but since it hasn't cleared yet I'm guessing it would be wise to wait? What are the issues with bottling now?
Also, how concerned do I need to be with introducing oxygen to the mead? I'd like to taste test often but I don't know if removing the airlock is potentially letting in too much oxygen.
Here are some photos from December 22nd which will hopefully help in answering my questions! Thanks GotMead forum!!