/diy/ - Do It Yourself

>>476454
My wife and I make mead as a hobby. Like you we started with the gallon jug and a balloon. We've gone through quite a few batches now and I have some advice if you'd care for it.

1. SANITIZE EVERYTHING. Seriously. Treat it like an operating room. Remember, one little contamination is all that stands between delicious mead after 6 months and rotten vinegar.

2. Sanitize that shit. No really. Do it.

2.5 Any yeast will make booze. Champagne yeast is typically the best(Red Star), but I've had great results with Hodgeson Mills whole wheat too.

3. It won't be sweet unless you add extra honey. The fermentation process will usually leave a dry(but really tasty) wine.

4. It takes about a month for the primary fermentation. After that rack it with an air lock to finish out.(If you're using a balloon, that's just fine it work well if you tape it good. Use a new Balloon everytime cheapskate.)

5. It won't be drinkable for at least 6 months. Seriously. I know you want it now, but don't waste a bottle. In the first few months it tastes like rocket fuel. Let it mellow. Time heals all meads.

>>311974
wow. How about you tape the fucking balloon on and exercise some willpower.

Just be careful, SANITIZE everything, and you'll be ok. It's not too hard.