4 replies to this topic

[zymot]

I transferred my basic Orange Blossom mead to the secondary yesterday.I recall it is common transfer to a tertiary after the mead has become clear. I have no idea how clear is clear with a mead.Does that mean Chardonnay kind of clear? Right now it is a light milky white kind of color. As if you had 1 part 2% milk and 3 parts water, a semi-opaque kind of look.I am not real worried about it. I am resigned to let it sit in the secondary for another 6 months before touch it again.It tastes quite nice right now, considering. I like the dry vs honey balance. It is a bit rough and needs to smooth out. For an alcoholic beverage that has seen 1/12 of it's aging process, I can project that it is could come out very well.zymot

[strangebrewer]

Chardonnay clear is a good example. Though I have never achieved it without the use of a fining agent. For mead my preferred is sparkeloid. It will clear your mead to crystal clear levels BUT it will throw super fine lees for a while. You have to add it and be willing to wait at least another month to make sure it's done throwing lees. Even then I'll rack it and leave it another month just to make sure.

[Hightest]

...I recall it is common transfer to a tertiary after the mead has become clear. I have no idea how clear is clear with a mead...

In my case, I only rack a 3rd time if the existing lees are "heavy" Otherwise, the mead is left to continue resting as is. Assuming the mead is off the primary lees, there is no problem leaving mead on fining lees - even for more than 6 months. Even if the mead is on the primary lees (assuming a traditional mead), you shouldn't have a problem. I have left mead there up to 9 months with little impact other than to impart a slight nuttiness to the mead based on my own taste preference.

[zymot]

Chardonnay clear is a good example. Though I have never achieved it without the use of a fining agent. For mead my preferred is sparkeloid. It will clear your mead to crystal clear levels BUT it will throw super fine lees for a while. You have to add it and be willing to wait at least another month to make sure it's done throwing lees. Even then I'll rack it and leave it another month just to make sure.

What kind of milestones are you talking here? It went into the secondary yesterday after about 1.5 months in the primary. When do you use sparkloid? Would you use the fining as you transferred to the secondaryIf I am willing to give this stuff another 11 months before I drink it, can it sit in the secondary for a few months, then get sparkeloid from secondary to tertiary? Let it sit in on the sparkeloid for a couple months (I think sparkeloid is inert, so extended time is not a factor) and then bottle.At least I know what I am shooting for, real clear. If I am going to take a year before it is finished, I am going to go to the trouble of all the steps of making it as close to perfect as I can.zymot

[Hightest]

What kind of milestones are you talking here? It went into the secondary yesterday after about 1.5 months in the primary. When do you use sparkloid? Would you use the fining as you transferred to the secondary...

IMO, this is where the science merges with the art of brewing. It is not always clear at what point one decides to fine, rack, or wait to take another step.Instead, the guidance offered by one's peers should be evaluated and applied as deemed appropriate by the individaual brewer. While this may seem like no real answer, it really is the best advice. Listen to what others have to say. Consider their individual experience and expertise. Then make a decision. You make make mistakes, but you will also learn.