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Lava Mead

Barrel Char Wood Products

cabeasle

NewBee
Registered Member
Dec 11, 2011
56
1
0
So, I have a traditional clover mead that's been sitting in the closet for about a month now. I wanted to see how well it was clearing, so I picked it up to hold it to the light. There was a thick layer of something gooey on the bottom that slowly rose to the surface with the effect of turning on a lava lamp. It was really quite cool.

Of course, now I've probably added even more time to the clearing process.... sigh... and yet another thing learned. :)

This mead-making business is fun.
 

Chevette Girl

All around BAD EXAMPLE
Moderator
Lifetime GotMead Patron
Apr 27, 2010
8,443
53
48
Ottawa, ON
Actually you probably haven't. As particles sit on the bottom they tend to stick together so they should settle out faster the second time. Keeping it stirred up can also (counterintuitively) help things settle out faster because the particles have a chance to get stuck to each other. The guys who have been doing the stir plate experiments are reporting meads that clear very quickly.

I've had some really cool looking wave action in the lees while moving carboys but never a lava-lamp :)
 

Loadnabox

NewBee
Registered Member
Apr 17, 2011
849
3
0
Ohio
I generally move my carboy to the kitchen counter a fully day before their first (and sometimes second if the lees is especially thick) rackings.

My wife hates it, but it allows things to settle out a bit and creates a more efficient first racking IMO
 

cabeasle

NewBee
Registered Member
Dec 11, 2011
56
1
0
Well, it's good to know that things aren't too terrible and that it should clear up again (hopefully) soon.

I actually need to look in to a second racking at some point. I racked it after about two weeks the first time, now it's been another two. Unfortunately, the first time I racked it was my first time racking anything and I lost a considerable amount of it. Just racked my second mead yesterday and didn't waste more than about 1/4 inch down in the bottom, so my technique has improved, at least.
 
Barrel Char Wood Products

Viking Brew Vessels - Authentic Drinking Horns