I made my first batch of mead a year ago today. It wasn't made properly by any means, but it turned out pretty tasty. Before I get into my problem, I'll post my "recipe" (which I got from YouTube before I found this site):
15 lbs. mesquite honey
5 oranges, a handful of raisins
5 gal distilled water
1 packet D47
I mixed in bucket, let sit for a month, racked off the gross lees, racked again three months later, racked again three months later.
Like I said, I know now about things like nutrients and sugar breaks and whatnot, but this was what ended up happening.
So, because I stored it in a crawlspace far, far away, my handling time is very limited (I'm taking the carboy back home with me).
We got here for Christmas break on Tuesday and it was crystal clear (I could read a book through it). It was at 1.005, so I stabilized with sorbate and sulphate. I moved it to a counter so I could let it settle and bottle, but the problem is it is still cloudy. It's been about 4 days now, and I still can't see my hand through it.
The main problem is we're going back home tomorrow morning, so it kinda has to be bottled tonight, or I'll have to wait another 4-5 months (and we already made the labels).
I don't have the means to cold crash, or I would have tried that. Is there anything else I can do to clear this? Should I just bottle it? It's bothering me a lot because of how clear it was.
There are also a lot of bubbles floating to the top, still, even after stabilizing.
Thanks again in advance.
15 lbs. mesquite honey
5 oranges, a handful of raisins
5 gal distilled water
1 packet D47
I mixed in bucket, let sit for a month, racked off the gross lees, racked again three months later, racked again three months later.
Like I said, I know now about things like nutrients and sugar breaks and whatnot, but this was what ended up happening.
So, because I stored it in a crawlspace far, far away, my handling time is very limited (I'm taking the carboy back home with me).
We got here for Christmas break on Tuesday and it was crystal clear (I could read a book through it). It was at 1.005, so I stabilized with sorbate and sulphate. I moved it to a counter so I could let it settle and bottle, but the problem is it is still cloudy. It's been about 4 days now, and I still can't see my hand through it.
The main problem is we're going back home tomorrow morning, so it kinda has to be bottled tonight, or I'll have to wait another 4-5 months (and we already made the labels).
I don't have the means to cold crash, or I would have tried that. Is there anything else I can do to clear this? Should I just bottle it? It's bothering me a lot because of how clear it was.
There are also a lot of bubbles floating to the top, still, even after stabilizing.
Thanks again in advance.
