{"schema":{"type":"ModernMazerRecipe","version":"1.0"},"canonicalUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/elderberry-mead","jsonUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/elderberry-mead.json","slug":"elderberry-mead","name":"Elderberry Mead","summary":"A deep, complex melomel built on wildflower honey and dried elderberries. Elderberries contribute intense color, earthy tannins, and a distinctive dark-fruit character. Dried elderberries are used for consistent flavor and year-round availability. Targets 13% ABV with a semi-sweet finish. 5-gallon batch.","heroImage":null,"heroImageAlt":"A glass of deep purple elderberry mead beside dried elderberries and a honey jar","author":"Modern Mazer","publishedDate":"2026-09-13","updatedDate":"2026-09-13","testingStatus":"development","evidenceStatus":"editorial","difficulty":"intermediate","style":"Melomel","tags":["mead","melomel","elderberry","fruit","dark","tannin","semi-sweet","five-gallon"],"targetBatchVolume":5,"targetBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","grossBatchVolume":5.5,"grossBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","expectedProductionLoss":0.09,"targetABV":13,"originalGravity":1.098,"finalGravity":1.005,"sweetnessLevel":"semi-sweet","carbonationLevel":"still","ingredients":[{"id":"honey","name":"Wildflower honey","quantity":13,"unit":"lbs","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"water","name":"Filtered water","quantity":4.5,"unit":"gallons","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"elderberries","name":"Dried elderberries","quantity":1,"unit":"lbs","notes":"Must be dried, not fresh — raw elderberries can cause nausea. Simmer in water before adding.","optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"fermaid-o","name":"Fermaid-O","quantity":10,"unit":"g","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"id":"fermaid-k","name":"Fermaid-K","quantity":5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"}],"yeast":{"name":"Lalvin EC-1118","brand":"Lalvin","quantity":1,"unit":"packets","notes":"Robust strain; handles tannin-rich must."},"nutrientSchedule":[{"timing":"Day 0 (pitch)","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"24 hours","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"48 hours","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"1/3 sugar break","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"Day 0 (pitch)","nutrient":"Fermaid-K","quantity":5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"}],"equipment":["6-gallon fermentation vessel","Secondary vessel","Airlock and stopper","Hydrometer","Thermometer","Sanitizer","Straining bags","Auto-siphon and tubing","Bottles or keg"],"process":[{"step":1,"title":"Sanitize all equipment","description":"Prepare no-rinse sanitizer. Sanitize all vessels and tools.","note":null},{"step":2,"title":"Prepare elderberry tea","description":"Simmer dried elderberries in 1 quart of water for 15 minutes. Strain and cool.","note":"Simmering deactivates any residual compounds in dried elderberries."},{"step":3,"title":"Build honey must","description":"Dissolve honey in 1 gallon of warm water. Cool. Add to fermenter with elderberry tea and remaining water to 5.5 gallons.","note":null},{"step":4,"title":"Take OG reading","description":"Record original gravity. Target approximately 1.098.","note":null},{"step":5,"title":"Pitch yeast and nutrients","description":"Pitch EC-1118. Add Day 0 nutrients. Ferment at 65–72°F.","note":null},{"step":6,"title":"Staggered nutrient additions","description":"Follow TOSNA schedule. Degas before each addition.","note":null},{"step":7,"title":"Monitor fermentation","description":"Check gravity every few days. Fermentation typically completes in 4–6 weeks.","note":null},{"step":8,"title":"Rack to secondary","description":"Rack off lees.","note":null},{"step":9,"title":"Condition and clarify","description":"Condition for 4–8 months.","note":null},{"step":10,"title":"Package","description":"Bottle or keg.","note":null}],"fermentationTemperature":"65–72°F (18–22°C)","fermentationTimeline":"4–6 weeks","conditioningTimeline":"4–8 months","packagingInstructions":"Ensure fermentation is fully complete before packaging.","safetyNotes":["Never use raw, uncooked elderberries — raw elderberries contain sambunigrin which can cause nausea and vomiting. Always simmer dried elderberries before use.","Never bottle a mead that has not fully finished fermenting.","Sanitize all equipment that contacts the must or finished mead."],"scalingNotes":"Honey, water, and elderberries scale linearly. Nutrient additions do NOT scale linearly.","version":"1.0.0","changeHistory":[{"version":"1.0.0","date":"2026-09-13","summary":"Initial record. Phase 4C Batch 3.","changedBy":"Modern Mazer"}],"relatedRecipes":["blackberry-mead","blueberry-mead"],"relatedTutorials":[],"references":[{"title":"TOSNA 3.0 Nutrient Calculator","url":"https://www.meadmakr.com/tosna-calculator/","author":null,"year":null,"notes":null}]}