Valhallan Meadsmith's Grimoire

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Grimoire of the Ancient Art of Mead Making

Introduction

Behold the ancient and secret practices of mead making, passed down through the ages from the wise and learned brewers of yore. This grimoire contains the sacred knowledge required to craft the divine nectar known as mead, favored by gods and warriors alike.

Ingredients and Equipment

  • Honey: The essence of mead, gathered from the hives of the industrious bee.
  • Water: Pure and untainted, drawn from natural springs or sources of great repute.
  • Yeast: The mystical organism that transforms honey into the elixir of the gods.
  • Nutrients: Vital for the sustenance of yeast, ensuring a robust fermentation.
  • Sanitizing Equipment: Ensures only desired microbes are present during fermentation.
  • Racking Cane and Tubing: For transferring mead using the power of gravity.
  • Airlock: Allows the release of CO2 while preventing outside contamination.

The Sacred Process

  1. Sanitization: Begin by sanctifying all tools and vessels to prevent the intrusion of unwanted spirits.
  2. Mixing the Elixir: Combine honey with water, stirring gently until fully dissolved.
  3. Adding Yeast and Nutrients: Introduce the yeast and staggered nutrient additions to avoid temperature spikes and off-flavors.
  4. Fermentation: Allow the mixture to ferment in a cool, dark place, with the airlock in place to permit the escape of harmful gases.
  5. Degassing: Regularly degas the mead to release toxic CO2 and improve fermentation.
  6. Racking: After primary fermentation, transfer the mead to a secondary vessel, leaving behind sediment.
  7. Aging: Bottle the mead and allow it to age for months or even years, letting the flavors mature and meld.
  8. Back-Sweetening: If desired, stabilize the mead and add more honey to enhance sweetness.

Historical Significance

  • Origins: The art of mead making dates back to 7000 BC in northern China. It is mentioned in the ancient Indian Rigveda as a divine drink.
  • Cultural Importance: Mead was highly esteemed by the Norse, Greeks, and Romans. In Norse mythology, the Mead of Poetry, created from the blood of the wise Kvasir, was coveted by gods and men for its power to bestow knowledge and eloquence.
  • The Honeymoon: Newlyweds were gifted with a month's worth of mead, from which the term "honeymoon" is derived.

Recipes and Variations

  1. Traditional Mead:

    • Ingredients: Honey, water, yeast, and nutrients.
    • Process: Follow the basic fermentation steps, ensuring proper sanitation and nutrient additions.
  2. Fruit Mead (Melomel):

    • Ingredients: Honey, water, yeast, nutrients, and fruit (such as berries or apples).
    • Process: Add fruit during primary fermentation for a rich and complex flavor.
  3. Spiced Mead (Metheglin):

    • Ingredients: Honey, water, yeast, nutrients, and spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, or ginger).
    • Process: Introduce spices either during fermentation or by steeping them in the finished mead.
  4. Herbal Mead (Meddyglyn):

    • Ingredients: Honey, water, yeast, nutrients, and medicinal herbs.
    • Process: Use herbs like chamomile, rosemary, or lavender to create a healing elixir.

Mystic Insights

  • Aging Wisdom: Mead improves with age, often reaching its peak flavor after two to three years.
  • Nutrient Magic: Staggered nutrient additions prevent off-flavors and ensure a healthy fermentation.
  • Yeast Alchemy: Different yeasts impart unique characteristics; choose wisely based on desired flavor and alcohol content.
  • Degassing Rituals: Regularly release CO2 to prevent explosive reactions and enhance the final product.

Final Thoughts

May this grimoire guide you in the sacred art of mead making. With patience, care, and a touch of magic, you shall craft elixirs worthy of the gods. Raise your horn, toast to the ancient brewers, and let the mead flow in honor of their timeless wisdom.

Raw information

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L6qQ1_hrrc
using prompt: extract_ideas at Sat Jul 20 02:21:32 PM CDT 2024
using model: claude-3-sonnet-20240229 at Sat Jul 20 02:21:32 PM CDT 2024

IDEAS:

  • Mead making requires honey, water, yeast, and nutrient for yeast.
  • Sanitizing equipment ensures only desired microbes are present during fermentation.
  • Staggering nutrient additions avoids temperature spikes that cause off-flavors.
  • Degassing the mead prevents eruptions when adding nutrients later on.
  • Racking cane and tubing allow transferring mead using gravity siphon.
  • Bottling mead after fermentation completes allows aging for flavor development.
  • Fruit, spices, juices can be added to create mead variations.
  • Back-sweetening stabilized mead enhances sweetness and honey flavors if desired.
  • Homebrewing mead is straightforward with right ingredients and techniques.
  • Fermentation activity indicates successful start of mead-making process.
  • Clearing mead before bottling improves clarity and appearance.
  • Proper sanitation throughout the process prevents contamination and off-flavors.
  • Yeast converts sugars from honey into alcohol, producing mead.
  • Airlock allows CO2 release while preventing outside contamination during fermentation.
  • Aging mead up to 2-3 years can further improve flavors.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L6qQ1_hrrc
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:25:04 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:25:04 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

Craftabro presents a step-by-step guide to making Mead using the Craftabrew Mead making kit, covering ingredients, equipment, and the fermentation process.

IDEAS:

  • Mead making requires honey, water, yeast, and nutrients for healthy fermentation.
  • The Craftabrew Mead making kit includes essential tools and ingredients for beginners.
  • Staggered nutrient additions help avoid temperature spikes and off flavors in Mead.
  • Yeast needs nitrogen to thrive, which honey alone doesn't provide.
  • Sanitizing all equipment is crucial to prevent unwanted microbes in fermentation.
  • Clover honey, Wildflower honey, or Orange Blossom honey can be used for Mead.
  • D47 yeast is robust and works well at home temperatures below 70°F.
  • Adding nutrients gradually prevents hot fermentation temperatures and off flavors.
  • Degassing Mead helps release toxic CO2 and improves fermentation.
  • The airlock acts as a one-way valve to prevent contamination during fermentation.
  • Day two and day five nutrient additions are crucial for balanced yeast nutrition.
  • Degassing prevents explosive reactions when adding nutrients to fermenting Mead.
  • Fermentation activity is indicated by CO2 bubbles in the airlock and jug.
  • Aggressive degassing before bottling ensures a clearer final product.
  • Mead can be bottled using swing top bottles or a bottling kit.
  • Mead improves with aging, typically up to two to three years.
  • Fruit or spices can be added to primary fermentation for flavor variations.
  • Replacing water with fruit juice can create different Mead flavors.
  • Back sweetening can enhance honey flavors in Mead.
  • Making Mead at home is simpler than it seems with the right kit and instructions.

INSIGHTS:

  • Staggered nutrient additions prevent temperature spikes and off flavors in Mead.
  • Yeast needs nitrogen, which honey alone doesn't provide, for healthy fermentation.
  • Sanitizing equipment is crucial to prevent unwanted microbes in fermentation.
  • Degassing releases toxic CO2, improving fermentation and preventing explosive reactions.
  • Mead improves with aging, typically up to two to three years.

QUOTES:

  • "Making can be incredibly simple with just a few ingredients."
  • "Yeast turns sugars like the sugars in this honey into alcohol."
  • "Adding nutrients make sure they have the vitamins, amino acids, and other things that they need."
  • "Giving the yeast honey is like giving a kid candy."
  • "Sanitizing is important because it helps ensure that the only microbes inside of our fermentation vessel are the ones that we put in there."
  • "Hotter fermentation temps can lead to off flavors that make your Mead taste bad."
  • "Nutrients are like magic for meat fermentation."
  • "The airlock acts as a one-way valve."
  • "Fermentation has successfully and aggressively started."
  • "Degas our Mead and then add our nutrient that looks pretty even."
  • "Carbon dioxide can be kind of toxic to the yeast."
  • "Releasing a bunch of that CO2 actually does help improve your fermentation."
  • "We're going to see what happens when we add a little bit of our day two nutrients."
  • "We have successfully avoided an eruption."
  • "Fermentation is still ongoing with our Mead."
  • "Aggressive degassing on this to try and get any of the remaining CO2 in suspension to lift up and out of there."
  • "We're going to be using gravity using a siphon to rack the Mead into these bottles."
  • "You may get a little bit of cloudiness in that last bottle that's the one we like to just you know put in the fridge and drink first."
  • "Making Mead or wine or beer at home is not as complicated as it may initially seem."

HABITS:

  • Sanitizing all equipment before starting the Mead-making process.
  • Using staggered nutrient additions to avoid temperature spikes in fermentation.
  • Degassing Mead regularly to release toxic CO2 and improve fermentation.
  • Monitoring airlock fill levels to prevent contamination during fermentation.
  • Aggressively degassing Mead before bottling for a clearer final product.

FACTS:

  • Yeast needs nitrogen, which honey alone doesn't provide, for healthy fermentation.
  • Staggered nutrient additions prevent temperature spikes and off flavors in Mead.
  • Sanitizing equipment is crucial to prevent unwanted microbes in fermentation.
  • Degassing releases toxic CO2, improving fermentation and preventing explosive reactions.
  • Mead improves with aging, typically up to two to three years.

REFERENCES:

  • Craftabrew Mead making kit
  • D47 yeast
  • Clover honey
  • Wildflower honey
  • Orange Blossom honey
  • Craftabrew Mead back sweetening kit

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Staggered nutrient additions and proper degassing are key to making high-quality, flavorful Mead at home.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Use staggered nutrient additions to avoid temperature spikes and off flavors in Mead.
  • Sanitize all equipment before starting the Mead-making process.
  • Degas Mead regularly to release toxic CO2 and improve fermentation.
  • Monitor airlock fill levels to prevent contamination during fermentation.
  • Aggressively degas Mead before bottling for a clearer final product.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjWAD74HoQs
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:27:19 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:27:19 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

A mead expert discusses the variables affecting mead aging, debunking the myth that it must age for a year.

IDEAS:

  • Lower ABV meads require less aging time than higher ABV meads.
  • Alcohol content affects the perceived flavor and aging necessity.
  • Healthy fermentation can reduce the required aging time.
  • Strong flavors in ingredients may need more time to meld.
  • The optimal drinking time follows a bell curve, peaking and then declining.
  • Mead can deteriorate if not stored properly or stabilized.
  • Sulfites and sorbates help make mead shelf-stable.
  • The only way to know the best drinking time is to taste it periodically.
  • Mead can be good even if consumed early, depending on variables.
  • Sweetness can mask some harsh flavors, making early consumption more enjoyable.
  • Trying mead early can be motivating for new brewers.
  • The longest aged mead was 18 months, showing significant flavor mellowing.
  • The shortest aged mead was 9 days, still tasting good due to specific preparation.
  • Waiting too long for the perfect peak can result in missing it entirely.
  • Making multiple batches ensures a continuous supply of mead to taste.
  • Mead aging is not a strict science; it's influenced by many factors.
  • Experimentation and tasting are key to finding the best aging time.
  • Mead can still be enjoyable even if not at its peak.
  • The bell curve concept helps understand the optimal aging period.
  • Mead's flavor profile changes over time, influenced by various factors.

INSIGHTS:

  • Lower ABV meads need less aging; higher ABV requires more time.
  • Healthy fermentation reduces aging time, while poor fermentation extends it.
  • Strong flavors in ingredients may need more time to meld properly.
  • Mead's optimal drinking time follows a bell curve, peaking and then declining.
  • Proper storage and stabilization prevent mead from deteriorating over time.
  • Periodic tasting is essential to determine the best drinking time for mead.
  • Sweetness can mask harsh flavors, making early consumption more enjoyable.
  • Experimentation and tasting are key to finding the best aging time for mead.
  • Mead can still be enjoyable even if not at its peak flavor profile.
  • Making multiple batches ensures a continuous supply of mead to taste.

QUOTES:

  • "The lower ABV Mead you have, the less time it will need to age."
  • "Alcohol content generally is perceived obviously in a brew."
  • "Time generally speaking helps to meld down those flavors."
  • "A good healthy fermentation can lead you to less aging time."
  • "There is no perfect definition of when said Mead will be its best."
  • "The only way to know that is to literally open it."
  • "Feel free to try your stuff early on and see how it's going."
  • "You might be surprised."
  • "Sweetness definitely helps to hide some of those aging things."
  • "You can have something churned out pretty quick."
  • "Please don't look at somebody and see well they said I can't drink this for 10 months."
  • "You might never find it."
  • "Honestly, I don't know if I've ever really found that."
  • "By the time I've found the top of it, I'm like on the tail end."
  • "The challenge is just to make more."

HABITS:

  • Periodically taste your mead to determine its optimal drinking time.
  • Experiment with different ABV levels to understand their aging needs.
  • Use sulfites and sorbates to stabilize your mead for longer shelf life.
  • Make multiple batches of mead to ensure a continuous supply for tasting.
  • Try consuming your mead early to understand its flavor development.

FACTS:

  • Lower ABV meads require less aging time than higher ABV meads.
  • Alcohol content affects the perceived flavor and aging necessity.
  • Healthy fermentation can reduce the required aging time.
  • Strong flavors in ingredients may need more time to meld.
  • The optimal drinking time follows a bell curve, peaking and then declining.

REFERENCES:

None mentioned.

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Mead aging varies widely; experiment and taste periodically to find your brew's optimal drinking time.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Periodically taste your mead to determine its optimal drinking time.
  • Experiment with different ABV levels to understand their aging needs.
  • Use sulfites and sorbates to stabilize your mead for longer shelf life.
  • Make multiple batches of mead to ensure a continuous supply for tasting.
  • Try consuming your mead early to understand its flavor development.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CT5EXtoUkZ8
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:33:10 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:33:10 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

Greg from "How to Drink" demonstrates making various types of mead inspired by Skyrim, using recipes from The Elder Scrolls official cookbook.

IDEAS:

  • Mead is a significant part of Nordic culture, often consumed before mother's milk.
  • Quick Mead is a basic building block for more complex meads.
  • Fermentation involves yeasts converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
  • Distillation removes water from fermented liquid, concentrating the alcohol.
  • Mead can be made with simple ingredients: honey, water, and ale yeast.
  • The Elder Scrolls official cookbook provides authentic Skyrim mead recipes.
  • Mead fermentation requires an airlock to release carbon dioxide without contamination.
  • Mead can be aged in wooden barrels for added flavor complexity.
  • Different ingredients create unique mead varieties: juniper berries, lavender, apples, etc.
  • Mead's flavor evolves over time; tasting periodically helps determine optimal aging.
  • Back sweetening with honey can enhance flavors and balance dryness.
  • Mead making involves both science and art; experimentation is key.
  • Small barrels age mead faster due to higher surface area to volume ratio.
  • Mead's flavor profile can include citrus, oak, black pepper, and floral notes.
  • Historical mead making methods add authenticity to the brewing process.
  • Mead is not a cheap drink; it requires significant amounts of honey.
  • Mead can be infused with spices and fruits for diverse flavor profiles.
  • The process of making mead is accessible even for beginners with the right tools.
  • Mead's cultural significance extends to literature and mythology.
  • The experience of making mead can be enhanced by understanding its historical context.

INSIGHTS:

  • Mead's cultural roots make it more than just a drink; it's a historical experience.
  • Fermentation and distillation are fundamental processes in alcohol production.
  • Authentic recipes can bridge the gap between fantasy and reality in culinary arts.
  • Aging in wood adds depth and complexity to mead's flavor profile.
  • Back sweetening is a crucial step for balancing flavors in homemade mead.
  • Experimentation and adaptation are essential in the art of mead making.
  • Small barrel aging accelerates flavor development compared to larger barrels.
  • Mead's diverse ingredients offer endless possibilities for flavor exploration.
  • Understanding historical methods enriches the modern mead-making experience.
  • The communal aspect of mead drinking enhances its cultural significance.

QUOTES:

  • "Mead is in their blood as much as in their drinking horns."
  • "Fermentation is the beginnings of distillation."
  • "Yeasts are tiny little funguses that will [__] and piss alcohol all over your sweet water."
  • "The adventuring party is coming back with pockets full of gold. Mead is not the cheap way to get drunk."
  • "You drink Mead in Valhalla when you were dead."
  • "Back sweetening is super common by the way."
  • "Mead's flavor evolves over time; tasting periodically helps determine optimal aging."
  • "Mead making involves both science and art; experimentation is key."
  • "Small barrels age mead faster due to higher surface area to volume ratio."
  • "Mead's flavor profile can include citrus, oak, black pepper, and floral notes."
  • "Historical mead making methods add authenticity to the brewing process."
  • "The process of making mead is accessible even for beginners with the right tools."
  • "Mead's cultural significance extends to literature and mythology."
  • "The experience of making mead can be enhanced by understanding its historical context."
  • "Aging in wood adds depth and complexity to mead's flavor profile."
  • "Authentic recipes can bridge the gap between fantasy and reality in culinary arts."
  • "Fermentation and distillation are fundamental processes in alcohol production."
  • "Mead's cultural roots make it more than just a drink; it's a historical experience."
  • "Experimentation and adaptation are essential in the art of mead making."
  • "Understanding historical methods enriches the modern mead-making experience."

HABITS:

  • Periodically taste mead during aging to determine optimal flavor development.
  • Use authentic recipes to connect with historical culinary practices.
  • Experiment with different ingredients to create unique mead varieties.
  • Back sweeten mead with honey to balance dryness and enhance flavors.
  • Age mead in wooden barrels for added depth and complexity.
  • Sanitize all equipment thoroughly before use to prevent contamination.
  • Use small barrels for faster aging due to higher surface area to volume ratio.
  • Incorporate historical methods for an authentic brewing experience.
  • Document each batch's process and results for continuous improvement.
  • Share the mead-making experience with friends for communal enjoyment.

FACTS:

  • Mead is often consumed by Nords before tasting their mother's milk.
  • Quick Mead serves as a base for more complex meads.
  • Fermentation converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide using yeast.
  • Distillation removes water from fermented liquid, concentrating the alcohol content.
  • Authentic Skyrim mead recipes are available in The Elder Scrolls official cookbook.
  • An airlock allows carbon dioxide to escape during fermentation without contamination.
  • Wooden barrels add flavor complexity through aging.
  • Different ingredients like juniper berries, lavender, and apples create unique meads.
  • Back sweetening with honey enhances flavors and balances dryness in mead.
  • Small barrels age mead faster due to higher surface area to volume ratio.

REFERENCES:

  • The Elder Scrolls official cookbook
  • Nutra Chef Kettle
  • Norwegian Farmhouse ale yeast (Kik yeast)
  • Culinary lavender
  • Ceylon cinnamon
  • Viking Blood (mead with hibiscus)

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Making mead combines historical authenticity, scientific processes, and creative experimentation for a rich cultural and culinary experience.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Use authentic recipes to connect with historical culinary practices.
  • Periodically taste mead during aging to determine optimal flavor development.
  • Experiment with different ingredients to create unique mead varieties.
  • Back sweeten mead with honey to balance dryness and enhance flavors.
  • Age mead in wooden barrels for added depth and complexity.
  • Sanitize all equipment thoroughly before use to prevent contamination.
  • Use small barrels for faster aging due to higher surface area to volume ratio.
  • Incorporate historical methods for an authentic brewing experience.
  • Document each batch's process and results for continuous improvement.
  • Share the mead-making experience with friends for communal enjoyment.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCN-TSSsRmc
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:36:14 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:36:14 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

Garrett from Man Made Mead shares eight common mistakes beginners make in mead making and how to avoid them.

IDEAS:

  • Different yeast types create distinct flavor profiles and have specific fermentation needs.
  • Yeast health is crucial; they need proper nutrients like dymonium phosphate and Fermaid O.
  • Balancing tannic value, sweetness, and acidity is key to a palatable mead.
  • Recipes should be adjusted to fit individual palates, not followed rigidly.
  • Time can fix some mead problems, but not all; patience is essential.
  • Experience is vital; making more mead helps understand the process better.
  • Gravity readings are essential for knowing alcohol content and fermentation status.
  • Stabilizing or pasteurizing is necessary to prevent further fermentation when back sweetening.
  • Yeast nutrient types include dymonium phosphate, Fermaid O, and Fermaid K.
  • Go-Ferm acts as a pre-workout for yeast, enhancing their fermentation readiness.
  • Tannic value affects how a mead feels in the mouth, similar to red wine.
  • Acidity can be adjusted using tartaric, malic, or citric acid.
  • Oak cubes, chips, spirals, or powdered wine tannin can adjust tannic value.
  • Hydrometers measure gravity, indicating how dense a liquid is and its alcohol potential.
  • Potassium sorbate and potassium metabisulfite stabilize mead by halting yeast reproduction.
  • Pasteurizing involves heating the liquid to kill yeast, suitable for smaller batches.
  • Over-capping yeast with excess honey can lead to higher ABV brews.
  • Adjusting recipes based on personal taste is encouraged for better results.
  • Patience in aging mead can improve its quality but isn't a cure-all.
  • Understanding yeast health involves knowing their nutritional needs and temperature preferences.
  • Experience helps in learning how to balance flavors and troubleshoot issues.
  • Gravity readings help replicate successful recipes and monitor fermentation progress.
  • Stabilizing prevents unwanted fermentation when adding more sweetness post-fermentation.
  • Pasteurizing is an alternative to chemical stabilization for stopping fermentation.
  • Making more mead provides practical experience and improves skills over time.

INSIGHTS:

  • Different yeast strains significantly impact flavor and require specific care.
  • Proper yeast nutrition and health are critical for successful fermentation.
  • Balancing tannic value, sweetness, and acidity creates a more enjoyable mead.
  • Recipes should be personalized to match individual taste preferences.
  • Patience and aging can improve mead but aren't a universal solution.
  • Practical experience is essential for mastering mead making techniques.
  • Gravity readings are crucial for understanding alcohol content and fermentation status.
  • Stabilizing or pasteurizing is necessary to control fermentation when back sweetening.
  • Yeast health involves providing the right nutrients and maintaining optimal conditions.
  • Adjusting recipes based on personal taste leads to better results.

QUOTES:

  • "Every single yeast kind makes a different product."
  • "Yeast are just like us; they need food."
  • "Balancing your brew is very important."
  • "Feel free to adjust any recipe you find."
  • "Time can fix most mead problems."
  • "Experience is important and it is key to understanding this process."
  • "Gravity readings are so important."
  • "Stabilizing is a form of using potassium sorbate and potassium metabisulfite."
  • "You can heat your liquid up which kills the yeast."
  • "Experience is key; start making more mead."

HABITS:

  • Experiment with different yeast strains to understand their unique profiles.
  • Use proper yeast nutrients like dymonium phosphate and Fermaid O for healthy fermentation.
  • Regularly balance tannic value, sweetness, and acidity in your brews.
  • Adjust recipes based on personal taste preferences for better results.
  • Practice patience by allowing meads to age properly before consumption.
  • Continuously make new batches of mead to gain practical experience.
  • Take gravity readings at different stages of fermentation for accurate monitoring.
  • Stabilize or pasteurize meads when adding sweetness post-fermentation to prevent re-fermentation.

FACTS:

  • Different yeast strains create distinct flavor profiles in mead.
  • Yeast need proper nutrients like dymonium phosphate and Fermaid O for healthy fermentation.
  • Balancing tannic value, sweetness, and acidity enhances mead's palatability.
  • Recipes should be adjusted to fit individual palates for better results.
  • Time can improve some mead problems but isn't a universal solution.
  • Practical experience is essential for mastering mead making techniques.
  • Gravity readings indicate alcohol content and fermentation status in mead.
  • Stabilizing with potassium sorbate and potassium metabisulfite halts yeast reproduction.

REFERENCES:

  • Joe's Ancient Orange recipe
  • Braised One Month Mead recipe
  • Viking Blood Mead recipe
  • Fermaid O
  • Fermaid K
  • Go-Ferm
  • Tartaric acid
  • Malic acid
  • Citric acid
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Potassium metabisulfite

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Understanding yeast health, balancing flavors, and gaining experience are key to successful mead making.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Experiment with different yeast strains to understand their unique profiles in mead making.
  • Use proper yeast nutrients like dymonium phosphate and Fermaid O for healthy fermentation processes.
  • Regularly balance tannic value, sweetness, and acidity in your brews for better taste profiles.
  • Adjust recipes based on personal taste preferences rather than following them rigidly for better results.
  • Practice patience by allowing meads to age properly before consumption for improved quality.
  • Continuously make new batches of mead to gain practical experience and improve skills over time.
  • Take gravity readings at different stages of fermentation for accurate monitoring of alcohol content.
  • Stabilize or pasteurize meads when adding sweetness post-fermentation to prevent re-fermentation issues.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNsz7LPKf8c
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:39:32 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:39:32 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

A tutorial on making a 30% ABV mead by City Steading Brews, detailing ingredients, process, and techniques.

IDEAS:

  • Start with three and a half pounds of wildflower honey for higher ABV mead.
  • Use 96 fluid ounces of water at 100 degrees Fahrenheit to melt honey.
  • Aeration is crucial in the beginning stages of fermentation for yeast health.
  • Adding yeast nutrients like Fermato provides essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Wine tannin or black tea adds mouthfeel and complexity to the mead.
  • Use Premier Blanc yeast for its ability to ferment up to 18% ABV.
  • Fermentation can take up to five weeks depending on conditions.
  • Yeast hulls can help restart a slow or stalled fermentation.
  • Degassing helps remove waste products and can restart fermentation.
  • Fortify mead with high-proof spirits like rum or Everclear to reach 30% ABV.
  • Fortifying mead eliminates the need for pasteurization or stabilization.
  • Adding rum introduces complex flavors like molasses and caramel.
  • Sweeten the fortified mead with additional honey to enhance flavor.
  • The final product should be allowed to age for better flavor integration.
  • The fortified mead retains strong honey notes despite high alcohol content.
  • The process involves careful measurement and calculation of ABV.
  • The fortified mead can be enjoyed as a unique, high-proof cocktail.
  • The tutorial emphasizes the importance of sanitation throughout the process.
  • The final mead has a complex flavor profile with floral, citrus, and caramel notes.
  • The tutorial includes practical tips for handling equipment and ingredients.

INSIGHTS:

  • Aeration is vital initially but harmful after alcohol is present in fermentation.
  • Yeast nutrients and hulls are essential for healthy fermentation and fixing stalls.
  • Fortifying mead with spirits can achieve high ABV without compromising flavor.
  • High-proof spirits like rum add complexity and depth to the mead's flavor profile.
  • Sweetening with honey maintains the mead's characteristic flavor despite fortification.
  • Proper sanitation is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure successful fermentation.
  • Degassing helps remove waste products, improving yeast health and fermentation efficiency.
  • Aging allows flavors to meld, enhancing the overall quality of the fortified mead.
  • Careful measurement and calculation are necessary for achieving desired ABV levels.
  • Fortified mead offers a unique drinking experience, combining elements of wine and spirits.

QUOTES:

  • "Aeration is very important in the beginning stages of a fermentation."
  • "Yeast nutrients give the yeast a little extra vitamins, minerals."
  • "Wine tannin adds a little mouthfeel, complexity, and depth to this brew."
  • "Premier Blanc yeast goes to 18% ABV; that's pretty much the reason."
  • "We need to get this to finish so we can work on this more later."
  • "Fortifying mead eliminates the need for pasteurization or stabilization."
  • "Adding rum introduces complex flavors like molasses and caramel."
  • "The final product should be allowed to age for better flavor integration."
  • "The fortified mead retains strong honey notes despite high alcohol content."
  • "The process involves careful measurement and calculation of ABV."
  • "The fortified mead can be enjoyed as a unique, high-proof cocktail."
  • "Proper sanitation is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure successful fermentation."
  • "Degassing helps remove waste products, improving yeast health and fermentation efficiency."
  • "Aging allows flavors to meld, enhancing the overall quality of the fortified mead."
  • "Careful measurement and calculation are necessary for achieving desired ABV levels."
  • "Fortified mead offers a unique drinking experience, combining elements of wine and spirits."

HABITS:

  • Use warm water to help dissolve honey quickly during preparation.
  • Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution and aeration.
  • Sanitize all equipment before use to prevent contamination.
  • Add yeast nutrients early in the process for optimal yeast health.
  • Monitor fermentation progress regularly by taking gravity readings.
  • Degas the must periodically to remove excess CO2 and improve fermentation.
  • Fortify with high-proof spirits gradually, measuring carefully to achieve desired ABV.
  • Sweeten with honey incrementally, tasting frequently to reach preferred sweetness level.
  • Allow the fortified mead to age for several weeks before final tasting.

FACTS:

  • Wildflower honey is used for its unique flavor profile in mead making.
  • Aeration helps build a healthy yeast colony during initial fermentation stages.
  • Fermato yeast nutrient provides essential vitamins and minerals for yeast health.
  • Wine tannin or black tea can add mouthfeel and complexity to mead.
  • Premier Blanc yeast can ferment up to 18% ABV, making it suitable for high-alcohol meads.
  • Yeast hulls are dead yeast cells that can help restart stalled fermentations.
  • Degassing removes CO2, which is a waste product of yeast metabolism.
  • Fortifying with high-proof spirits like rum or Everclear can achieve 30% ABV in mead.
  • Fortified meads do not require pasteurization or stabilization due to high alcohol content.
  • High-proof spirits add complex flavors like molasses and caramel to the mead.

REFERENCES:

  • Fermato yeast nutrient
  • Premier Blanc yeast
  • Hamilton 151 overproof rum
  • Everclear
  • Star Farms Pleasant Hill Oregon honey
  • City Steading Brews YouTube channel

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Fortifying mead with high-proof spirits creates a unique, high-alcohol beverage that retains complex honey flavors.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Use warm water to help dissolve honey quickly during preparation stages.
  • Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution and proper aeration.
  • Sanitize all equipment before use to prevent contamination during fermentation.
  • Add yeast nutrients early in the process for optimal yeast health and activity.
  • Monitor fermentation progress regularly by taking specific gravity readings frequently.
  • Degas the must periodically to remove excess CO2 and improve fermentation efficiency.
  • Fortify with high-proof spirits gradually, measuring carefully to achieve desired ABV levels.
  • Sweeten with honey incrementally, tasting frequently to reach preferred sweetness level.
  • Allow the fortified mead to age for several weeks before conducting final tasting sessions.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlr1KrWDxOM
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:42:50 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:42:50 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

A presenter discusses the benefits and special pricing of a 5-liter Widemouth fermentor from North Mountain Supply, including its features and usage tips.

IDEAS:

  • The Widemouth fermentor is available at a discounted price due to overstock.
  • North Mountain Supply ordered fermentors from Italy, which took months to arrive.
  • The fermentor has a wide mouth and holds 5 liters, making it versatile.
  • It lacks a cap but includes cheesecloth and a rubber band for covering.
  • Primary fermentation in this vessel is effective and safe.
  • Many wineries use open vat fermentation, similar to this fermentor's method.
  • The fermentor's construction is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Using this fermentor minimizes loss when racking to smaller vessels.
  • An additional $10 discount is available with a specific coupon code.
  • The coupon code is 10csb2024, providing extra savings on the already reduced price.
  • The fermentor's design includes a groove for securing the cheesecloth with a rubber band.
  • The presenter has used this fermentor in multiple videos with successful results.
  • Concerns about oxidation are unfounded with proper primary fermentation practices.
  • The fermentor's heavy-duty build ensures durability and longevity.
  • The wide mouth design simplifies the fermentation process and cleaning.
  • The product is likely to sell out quickly due to limited supply and high demand.
  • The presenter emphasizes the importance of sanitizing the cheesecloth before use.
  • The fermentor allows for easy monitoring of the fermentation process.
  • The product's aesthetic appeal adds value beyond its functional benefits.
  • The presenter reassures viewers about the effectiveness of open vat fermentation.

INSIGHTS:

  • Overstock situations can lead to significant consumer savings on quality products.
  • Open vat fermentation is a traditional method still used by many wineries today.
  • Proper sanitation practices are crucial for successful fermentation processes.
  • Versatile fermentors can reduce waste and improve efficiency in home brewing.
  • Aesthetically pleasing equipment can enhance the overall brewing experience.

QUOTES:

  • "This is a Widemouth fermentor now it comes in a basket but we don't like the basket."
  • "The fine folks over at North Mountain Supply ordered a bunch of fermentors from Italy."
  • "They dropped the price by five bucks on their website but wait wait there's more."
  • "We have used this exact fermentor this exact one this this Oneal Jam video."
  • "It's a wide mouth which is great it's also five liters it holds a lot awesome."
  • "It doesn't have a cap so you can't put an air lock on it."
  • "It comes with a piece of cheesecloth that's thick enough that you can do multiple layers."
  • "A lot of wineries today still do open vat fermentation."
  • "Primary fermentation in here and then rack it to a smaller vessel."
  • "We actually did conditioning in this too and it really wasn't a problem."
  • "The fact that it's 5 L is kind of a big deal because that way you can start with a 5 L batch."
  • "There's a coupon while supplies last I don't know how many of these they have."
  • "You can get an extra $10 off that's $5 off from their price and $10 off if you use our coupon."
  • "You can only get this from us and that coupon is right here but it is 10 csb 2024."
  • "Link in the description below and as always guys thanks so much for watching have a great day bye-bye."

HABITS:

  • Using cheesecloth to cover fermentors instead of traditional caps or air locks.
  • Sanitizing cheesecloth before use to ensure cleanliness during fermentation.
  • Utilizing multiple layers of cheesecloth for added protection during fermentation.
  • Racking fermented liquid to smaller vessels after primary fermentation.
  • Taking advantage of discounts and coupons for brewing equipment purchases.

FACTS:

  • North Mountain Supply ordered fermentors from Italy, which took months to arrive.
  • The Widemouth fermentor holds 5 liters, making it suitable for various brewing needs.
  • Many wineries still use open vat fermentation methods today.
  • The fermentor includes cheesecloth and a rubber band for covering instead of a cap.
  • Proper primary fermentation practices prevent oxidation concerns.

REFERENCES:

  • North Mountain Supply
  • Coupon code: 10csb2024

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

The Widemouth fermentor offers versatile, aesthetically pleasing brewing solutions with significant discounts available through North Mountain Supply.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Take advantage of overstock discounts for quality brewing equipment like the Widemouth fermentor.
  • Use cheesecloth and rubber bands to cover fermentors effectively during primary fermentation.
  • Sanitize all equipment, including cheesecloth, before use to ensure successful fermentation.
  • Consider open vat fermentation methods for home brewing, similar to traditional winery practices.
  • Utilize coupon codes like 10csb2024 for additional savings on brewing supplies.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruvdDbZXAHY
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:47:08 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:47:08 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

A year-old coffee mead is reviewed, highlighting its balanced flavors, robust coffee notes, and potential for cocktail use.

IDEAS:

  • Coffee mead ended at 1.032 final gravity, making it slightly sweet and 13% alcohol.
  • The color of the coffee mead is described as glorious, clear, and viscous.
  • The aroma combines coffee and honey, with brighter coffee flavors rather than dark roast.
  • Coffee mead can be harsh if the wrong coffee is used or over-extracted.
  • The mead has matured well, rounding out initial astringency while keeping a strong coffee punch.
  • It could replace Kahlua in cocktails like White Russians or be mixed with Kahlua.
  • The mead is robust, packed with flavor, and not overly sweet due to coffee's acids and tannins.
  • Balanced sweetness and coffee potency prevent it from tasting just like coffee.
  • The mouthfeel is thick, viscous, rich, and coats the palate.
  • The flavor profile includes layers of young light roast and darker coffee on exhale.
  • The experience is akin to enjoying a fine whiskey or cigar due to its complexity and richness.
  • The mead has a coffee liqueur quality with a thick, viscous texture and layered flavors.
  • Home brewing allows for continuous learning and improvement with each batch.
  • The mead's balance of honey and coffee notes makes it unique compared to wine.
  • The mead inspired a series of cocktail experiments, leading to more creative uses.
  • The glasses used for tasting are from North Mountain Supply, preferred for their size and shape.
  • The mead's complexity makes it suitable for various serving methods, including over ice or warm.
  • Personal taste and recent food consumption can affect the perception of the mead's flavor.
  • The mead's versatility makes it a great base for cocktails, adding excitement to mixology.
  • Enjoying home-brewed beverages in different ways enhances personal satisfaction.

INSIGHTS:

  • Coffee mead balances sweetness and coffee potency, preventing it from tasting just like coffee.
  • Home brewing fosters continuous learning and improvement with each batch made.
  • The mead's complexity and richness make it comparable to fine whiskey or cigars.
  • Coffee mead's versatility makes it an excellent base for various cocktails.
  • Personal taste and recent food consumption significantly affect flavor perception.
  • Balanced honey and coffee notes create a unique beverage distinct from wine.
  • The mead's layered flavors enhance the tasting experience, encouraging repeated sips.
  • Robust flavor profile prevents the mead from being overly sweet despite high final gravity.
  • Enjoying home-brewed beverages in different ways enhances personal satisfaction.
  • The mead's thick, viscous mouthfeel adds to its rich and indulgent experience.

QUOTES:

  • "The color is glorious; it's coffee in a glass."
  • "It smells like coffee and honey."
  • "That matured so well."
  • "Coffee mead can be harsh if you use the wrong coffee."
  • "It could replace Kahlua in cocktails like White Russians."
  • "The mead is robust, packed with flavor."
  • "It's not overly sweet due to coffee's acids and tannins."
  • "The mouthfeel is thick, viscous, rich."
  • "The experience is akin to enjoying a fine whiskey or cigar."
  • "The mead has a coffee liqueur quality."
  • "Home brewing allows for continuous learning and improvement."
  • "The balance of honey and coffee notes makes it unique."
  • "The mead inspired a series of cocktail experiments."
  • "The glasses used for tasting are from North Mountain Supply."
  • "Personal taste and recent food consumption can affect flavor perception."
  • "The mead's versatility makes it a great base for cocktails."
  • "Enjoying home-brewed beverages in different ways enhances personal satisfaction."
  • "Balanced sweetness and coffee potency prevent it from tasting just like coffee."
  • "The layered flavors enhance the tasting experience."
  • "Robust flavor profile prevents the mead from being overly sweet."

HABITS:

  • Experimenting with different ingredients in home brewing to learn and improve continuously.
  • Using specific glassware to enhance the tasting experience of beverages.
  • Mixing home-brewed beverages into various cocktails to explore new flavors.
  • Paying attention to personal taste preferences when evaluating beverages.
  • Considering recent food consumption when tasting beverages to understand flavor changes.

FACTS:

  • Coffee mead ended at 1.032 final gravity, making it slightly sweet and 13% alcohol.
  • The color of the coffee mead is described as glorious, clear, and viscous.
  • Coffee mead can be harsh if the wrong coffee is used or over-extracted.
  • Balanced sweetness and coffee potency prevent it from tasting just like coffee.
  • The mouthfeel is thick, viscous, rich, and coats the palate.
  • The experience is akin to enjoying a fine whiskey or cigar due to its complexity and richness.
  • Home brewing allows for continuous learning and improvement with each batch made.
  • The glasses used for tasting are from North Mountain Supply, preferred for their size and shape.

REFERENCES:

  • North Mountain Supply glasses
  • Kahlua
  • White Russian cocktail

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Coffee mead offers a balanced, robust flavor profile perfect for both sipping and cocktail experimentation.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Experiment with different ingredients in home brewing to learn continuously.
  • Use specific glassware to enhance the tasting experience of beverages.
  • Mix home-brewed beverages into various cocktails to explore new flavors.
  • Pay attention to personal taste preferences when evaluating beverages.
  • Consider recent food consumption when tasting beverages to understand flavor changes.

getting transcript for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MAB-VVqjOE
using prompt: extract_wisdom at Sat Jul 20 02:51:03 PM CDT 2024
using model: gpt-4o at Sat Jul 20 02:51:03 PM CDT 2024

SUMMARY

Max Miller from Tasting History explains the origins of the term "honeymoon" and demonstrates how to make medieval mead using a 13th-century recipe.

IDEAS:

  • The term "honeymoon" originates from giving newlyweds a month's worth of honey mead.
  • Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from honey, water, and yeast.
  • The 13th-century Tractus Manuscript Folio 20r provides a detailed mead recipe.
  • Medieval mead recipes often included herbs for medicinal purposes.
  • Modern mead typically ferments for weeks and ages for months, unlike the quick medieval version.
  • The term "meddyglyn" refers to healing mead made with herbs.
  • Different types of mead exist based on ingredients and alcohol content.
  • The earliest evidence of mead-making dates back to 7000 BC in northern China.
  • Mead is mentioned in ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda as a divine drink.
  • The Minoans associated mead with their mother goddess Potnia.
  • Mead was popular in ancient Greece and Rome, with recipes by Columella and Pliny the Elder.
  • Welsh and Irish cultures had significant traditions involving mead and mead halls.
  • Norse mythology includes the story of Kvasir, whose blood was turned into the Mead of Poetry.
  • Odin, the Norse god, obtained the Mead of Poetry through trickery and shape-shifting.
  • The Mead of Poetry is said to inspire great poets and skalds.
  • Modern mead-making involves sterilizing equipment to prevent bacterial contamination.
  • The recipe calls for boiling the honey-water mixture to eliminate bacteria.
  • Mead should be fermented in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
  • The fermentation process produces tiny bubbles, indicating active yeast.
  • Aging mead can mellow its flavor, making it less sweet and more complex.

INSIGHTS:

  • Mead's historical significance spans multiple cultures and millennia.
  • Medicinal herbs in mead reflect medieval reliance on natural remedies.
  • Quick medieval mead contrasts with modern long fermentation and aging processes.
  • Mead's divine associations highlight its cultural and religious importance.
  • Norse mythology's Mead of Poetry underscores the value placed on knowledge and creativity.

QUOTES:

  • "The term 'honeymoon' originates from giving newlyweds a month's worth of honey mead."
  • "Medieval mead recipes often included herbs for medicinal purposes."
  • "The earliest evidence of mead-making dates back to 7000 BC in northern China."
  • "Mead is mentioned in ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda as a divine drink."
  • "The Minoans associated mead with their mother goddess Potnia."
  • "Welsh and Irish cultures had significant traditions involving mead and mead halls."
  • "Norse mythology includes the story of Kvasir, whose blood was turned into the Mead of Poetry."
  • "Odin, the Norse god, obtained the Mead of Poetry through trickery and shape-shifting."
  • "The Mead of Poetry is said to inspire great poets and skalds."
  • "Modern mead-making involves sterilizing equipment to prevent bacterial contamination."
  • "The recipe calls for boiling the honey-water mixture to eliminate bacteria."
  • "Mead should be fermented in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight."
  • "The fermentation process produces tiny bubbles, indicating active yeast."
  • "Aging mead can mellow its flavor, making it less sweet and more complex."
  • "Medicinal herbs in mead reflect medieval reliance on natural remedies."
  • "Quick medieval mead contrasts with modern long fermentation and aging processes."
  • "Mead's historical significance spans multiple cultures and millennia."
  • "Mead's divine associations highlight its cultural and religious importance."
  • "Norse mythology's Mead of Poetry underscores the value placed on knowledge and creativity."

HABITS:

  • Sterilize all tools used in mead-making to prevent bacterial contamination.
  • Use mineral or spring water instead of distilled water for making mead.
  • Boil the honey-water mixture to eliminate bacteria before fermentation.
  • Ferment mead in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
  • Age mead for several months to mellow its flavor and complexity.

FACTS:

  • The term "honeymoon" comes from giving newlyweds a month's worth of honey mead.
  • Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from honey, water, and yeast.
  • The earliest evidence of mead-making dates back to 7000 BC in northern China.
  • Ancient Indian texts like the Rigveda mention mead as a divine drink.
  • The Minoans associated mead with their mother goddess Potnia.
  • Welsh and Irish cultures had significant traditions involving mead and mead halls.
  • Norse mythology includes the story of Kvasir, whose blood was turned into the Mead of Poetry.
  • Odin obtained the Mead of Poetry through trickery and shape-shifting.

REFERENCES:

  • 13th-century Tractus Manuscript Folio 20r
  • Ancient Indian Rigveda
  • Columella's 'De Re Rustica'
  • Pliny the Elder's 'Naturales Historia'
  • Welsh poem 'Kanu y med'
  • Welsh poem 'Y Gododdin'
  • Beowulf

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Mead's rich history spans cultures and millennia, reflecting its cultural, medicinal, and divine significance.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Use mineral or spring water instead of distilled water for making mead.
  • Boil the honey-water mixture to eliminate bacteria before fermentation.
  • Ferment mead in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
  • Age mead for several months to mellow its flavor and complexity.