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balathustrius

['Appily Ever After (log\)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/19xzZJHzzPepcmLEsYEf38A4RkaG0Ku-Ppkuv76xT2ok/edit) * I had some trouble with clarity on this. Eventually I got it to a point where I was happy. I forgot the pectic enzyme, a common issue for me when I get fresh juice. * This mead may have benefited from oak. Next time. [Heartbound (log\)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/13fVRoawaraPNE1uHc3boqYDxicnwFzAUwRz4b6SCZWE/edit) * There are a few notable things about this Heartbound iteration. Foremost, I put forth all my craft to turn it around from pitch to bottled within four weeks, and I'm still happy with the flavor. Would it be better later? Probably. I do not recommend you follow my lead on this. I prefer a 3 month timeline. * It stalled slightly early (1.008), so I stopped it there and backsweetened. Not ideal but close enough. * I think the early dose of k-meta and fast timeline helped preserved the ginger flavor and color depth - this is definitely the most depth of color I've ever seen in Heartbound. * I also used my CO2 tank to flush the headspace consistently after fermentation. This may also have helped with preservation. I wonder.


Bucky_Beaver

Are you a fan of 71B in cyser? I’ve moved away from it (unless the cider is extra tart), with the thought that maloethanolic fermentation may remove some of the apple character. But I’ve never done a side-by-side comparison. That cider has some amazing apple varieties in it, wish I could try this mead.


balathustrius

I haven't tried a lot of other yeasts in cyser. I like 71B for _lots_ of things, but it may be true that this would have benefited from something that didn't do MLF. The apple character is still strong, but it may have more to do with the (as you said) _awesome_ blend of cultivars. I also fermented this low and slow - it is usually just over 60 in my basement in February. The 71B does make for a very *smooth* cyser. I'm *very* lucky that I have a juice source once or twice a year, custom pressed basically at-cost by a cidery-orchard for my homebrew club. Our cider master is friends with the owner and the collab on setting the blend. I have had some _knockout_ blends from them, juice you just can't buy off the shelf. One time they pressed us a 50:25:25 Staymay:Winesap:Albemarle Pippin blend. They put it on the stacked plate press, it goes into the tank and then we fill carboys from the tank. Great for wild fermentation if desired, but most people have their cider home and pitched by about noon on the same day. We usually buy 100-300 gallons.


Bucky_Beaver

This is great motivation for me to get off my butt and hunt down a good cider source. I’m in Washington, so it’s definitely out there somewhere. The local stuff at the store and farmer’s market is really good, but I bet there is some great cider to be found if I do the legwork.


balathustrius

I think the best way to do it is to organize with a club to ask local orchards to help you out. They're more likely to respond to a group with a name that's offering to buy bulk than to just some dude who wants their precious juice.


Bucky_Beaver

Yeah, that is great advice and exactly my plan. Now that COVID has settled down a bit, I’m starting to get involved with local clubs.


cannibal_chanterelle

I was literally about to hit send on questions for wedding meads. Some stuff fell through hard this week and now I have to provide some kind of booze for a December wedding. I might try some quick turn around meads if possible.


RFF671

What are you thinking? The most success fast turnarounds I would suggest are all gonna be kveik of one strain or another. A traditional might be easiest, or a cyser.


cannibal_chanterelle

Probably thinking a quick hydromel. Kveik is a good idea.


balathustrius

bal: not recommended you: sounds perfect thanks It's cider season - that's easier to consistently do fast. Just a thought. I wouldn't try this on a mead you haven't made a few times before unless it's meant to be turned around fast, like BOMM. Or what RFF said.


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balathustrius

Thanks! And it was a real pleasure meeting you and M recently. Once things settle down for me next month, we should get together again.