Ok, its time for me to ask another stupid question.
When a mead clears by itself, is it trying to hint that it is done?? Even if it definately HAS NOT had time to finish fermenting?? Or is this a hint that the yeast ran outta nutrients??
I am asking because my mead batch A from my "majorly unscientific molasses test" is clear enough to read newsprint through it. The short version of the details go as follows: 1/2 gallon batch, 71B yeast, S.G: 1.100, "clover honey" with molasses added, no nutrient. The fermentation kicked off well, slowed somewhat in the first two weeks and is now almost silent. (1 glug every two hours or so, no bubbles visible inside the bottle) There is a decent sized pile of lees on the bottom, about 3/4inch deep. I was planning on checking and racking it, but the mead is quite clear. The fermentation lock doesn't have any specific smell, just beside the vodka thats in it. The mead/must does have a reddish tint to it, but it is tranparent.(think filtered cranberry juice). I pitched this batch back on Feb 12, and so my calendar says its definately not done. But the mead is clearing..
I am thinking that the yeast might have run outta nutrients and died off. But would a mead clear if the yeast ran out of nutrients? or would they stay suspended and hang around??
I am split on what to do with this batch.. part of me wants to toss in some nutrient or raisins and see what happens. (which would kinda finish up the test and kinda be cheating) The other part is considering just letting it sit a little longer then racking to bottles, and tasting/testing in the process.
I would appreciate hearing any comments you all might have.
hedgehog
When a mead clears by itself, is it trying to hint that it is done?? Even if it definately HAS NOT had time to finish fermenting?? Or is this a hint that the yeast ran outta nutrients??
I am asking because my mead batch A from my "majorly unscientific molasses test" is clear enough to read newsprint through it. The short version of the details go as follows: 1/2 gallon batch, 71B yeast, S.G: 1.100, "clover honey" with molasses added, no nutrient. The fermentation kicked off well, slowed somewhat in the first two weeks and is now almost silent. (1 glug every two hours or so, no bubbles visible inside the bottle) There is a decent sized pile of lees on the bottom, about 3/4inch deep. I was planning on checking and racking it, but the mead is quite clear. The fermentation lock doesn't have any specific smell, just beside the vodka thats in it. The mead/must does have a reddish tint to it, but it is tranparent.(think filtered cranberry juice). I pitched this batch back on Feb 12, and so my calendar says its definately not done. But the mead is clearing..
I am thinking that the yeast might have run outta nutrients and died off. But would a mead clear if the yeast ran out of nutrients? or would they stay suspended and hang around??
I am split on what to do with this batch.. part of me wants to toss in some nutrient or raisins and see what happens. (which would kinda finish up the test and kinda be cheating) The other part is considering just letting it sit a little longer then racking to bottles, and tasting/testing in the process.
I would appreciate hearing any comments you all might have.
hedgehog