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My Ultra-low-tech Lazy method...USE AT OWN RISK =)

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Rusty_Bucket

NewBee
Registered Member
Sep 4, 2005
12
0
0
Hey guys and gals,
just wanted to share my VERY lowtech method that I have been using. I have been very happy with the results and the investment in allmost nothing. Use at your own risk ;)

I start by taking a commerical airlock (cost $.99 or less) drill a hole in the center of a plastic milk jugg cap (must be a screw on cap, not just a "snap on") large enough to squeeze the airlock into. I fire up the hotglue gun and seal the airlock onto the cap. Just use a bit because you may want to get it off later.

I put 2 caps of bleach ina kitchen sink full of water and sterilize the milk jugg I want to use. After that, rinse twice with water.
At this point I start the yeast up. I put a teaspoon of sugar in a small glass, sprinkle an entire packet of baking yeast ( I like REDSTAR) on top and run some WARM not HOT water in and stir. In a few minutes it will get abrown froth on top.
I put half of a 3lb jug of honey(available from Wally world for $6) in the milk jugg and pour WARM water in and shake until the honey dissolves into the water.
At this point I pour the yeast in the milk jugg, foam and all.
I fill the half empty HONEY container with WARM water, shake untill it dissolves, then pour it into the milk jugg.
Put in some RINSED, CHOPPED raisins, handfull or so, into the jugg.
I fill the jugg up with WARM water to about 3 inches from the top of the airlock.
Screw the cap on FIRMLY, fill the airlock, set under the sink and wait.

This has made some VERY tastey mead for me. It is a VERY basic recipe that could be improved on 100 ways.
Anybody that wants to pick on this technique...feel free ;D

Hope it helps.
 

Rathpig

NewBee
Registered Member
Jul 9, 2005
41
0
0
I would wager many beverage makers who visit GotMead! started out with very similar equipment.


I begin brewing many years before "da web" and homebrew shops. I thought an "airlock" was on a spaceship. Coca-cola came in 32oz glass bottles and alot of dark amber glass Clorox gallons where still available, clean, and serviceable. To keep out the bugs and bacteria, yet vent the gas, cheese cloth or t-shirt scrap wet with everclear worked well enough. Racked into the screw-cap soda bottles this was premium hooch for the price. . . free!

I learned alot about wild yeast, but graduated to more complex methods and application specific yeast, and non-NASA airlocks :p .
I regret not saving at least one old-school bleach bottle, darn it


R.,
 

Oskaar

Got Mead Partner
Administrator
Dec 26, 2004
7,874
8
0
34
The OC
As long as your method yields the end product you like that's all that really matters. I don't care for the taste plastic sanitized with bleach imparts to the meads that I've made.

Cheers,

Oskaar
 

JoeM

NewBee
Registered Member
Jan 9, 2004
665
1
0
43
I made my first mead in a plastic pretzel "keg" and bottled it in 20 oz plastic soda bottles.
 

JamesP

Senior Member
Lifetime GotMead Patron
Dec 3, 2003
654
1
18
Brisbane Australia
I draw the line at PETE (clear plastic) that fruit juice comes in, rather than the milky plastic that our milk comes in.

Each to their own ;)
 

toolboxdiver

NewBee
Registered Member
Apr 3, 2005
255
0
0
61
toolboxdiver.tripod.com
I have made a hard cider/cyser in a 1 gallon plastic keg that stewerts root beer sold fountain soda in to take home and drilled the top I did use a rubber gromlet to seal the airlock but it turned out quite well for a first try, and many years later I have just about 50 gallons in carboys aging and as I empty one I fill it up again...enjoy the hobbie of Mead Making for it is the nectar of the gods
 

Rusty_Bucket

NewBee
Registered Member
Sep 4, 2005
12
0
0
Wow...Thanks for all the support guys. I thought I was gonna get tanked for letting the milk jugg caper out of the bag :D

You know...now that I think of it...my neighbor has a really big plastic mailbox...but I could get at least 3 gallons out of it..... 8)
 

Dagmire

NewBee
Registered Member
Nov 8, 2005
1
0
0
41
Just a question, I did your recipy and let it sit for 4 weeks. After the 4 weeks, i tasted it and it has a tangy flavor to it and not so much of a sweet honey taste. Is this how yours tastes?
 
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