I made a pumpkin mead based on Mac's Bumpkin recipe (in log). I racked it for the second time and it has a rocket fuel taste. SG 1.00. I suspect it is from yeast stress as it was hot this summer. Also, I did not aerate past the 3rd day (newbie mistake)....I am not sure if I should backsweeten now before bulk aging, or wait until after. Also, I put a large glass in the refrigerator just to see what would happen. I backsweetened it with blackberry honey (2 TBS)...it has really cleared and tastes good, no rocket fuel taste....however, no pumpkin or maple flavoring has come out. Is it too late to add to these flavors? Fermentation is done. I was thinking I could add some maple or brown sugar to honey for backsweetening....any thoughts on how this could come out?
Thank you
Sandi
Thank you
Sandi