A sophisticated traditional mead aged on American oak cubes for a wine-like complexity. Oak adds vanilla, caramel, and tannin notes that transform a simple traditional into a complex, layered mead. Targets 14% ABV with a semi-sweet finish. 5-gallon batch.
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Batch size
5 gallons
Target ABV
14%
Fermentation
6–8 weeks
Conditioning
6–12 months
Responsible use: These recipes produce alcoholic beverages. Ferment and consume responsibly. Verify all quantities, equipment, and safety procedures before beginning. Consult local regulations regarding home fermentation.
Add in secondary. Taste weekly — oak extraction varies by toast level and cube size.
Yeast
Lalvin Lalvin D47 — 1 packets
Enhances complexity; keep below 65°F.
| Timing | Nutrient | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 (pitch) | Fermaid-O | 2.5 g | |
| 24 hours | Fermaid-O | 2.5 g | |
| 48 hours | Fermaid-O | 2.5 g | |
| 1/3 sugar break | Fermaid-O | 2.5 g | |
| Day 0 (pitch) | Fermaid-K | 5 g |
Prepare no-rinse sanitizer. Sanitize all vessels and tools.
Dissolve honey in 1 gallon of warm water. Cool. Add to fermenter with remaining water to 5.5 gallons.
Record original gravity. Target approximately 1.106.
Pitch D47. Add Day 0 nutrients. Ferment at 60–65°F.
D47 must be kept below 65°F.
Follow TOSNA schedule. Degas before each addition.
Check gravity every few days. Fermentation typically completes in 6–8 weeks.
Rack off lees.
Add medium-toast American oak cubes. Taste weekly. Remove when desired oak character is achieved (typically 2–6 weeks).
Remove oak cubes. Condition for 6–12 months.
Bottle or keg.
Ensure fermentation is fully complete before packaging. Extended aging is strongly recommended.
Honey and water scale linearly. Oak addition does NOT scale linearly — adjust to taste. Nutrient additions do NOT scale linearly.
Enter your desired finished batch size to scale ingredient quantities. Press Enter or tap away to apply.
Target ABV
14%
Original gravity
1.106
Final gravity
1.006
Sweetness
semi sweet
Finished volume
5 gallons
Gross starting volume
5.5 gallons
Expected loss
0.5 gallons(9%)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Unit | Scaling notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildflower honey | 15 | lbs | |
| Filtered water | 4.5 | gallons | |
| Medium-toast American oak cubes | 2 | oz | ⚠ review |
| Fermaid-O | 10 | g | ⚠ review |
| Fermaid-K | 5 | g | ⚠ review |
⚠ Ingredients requiring review
Initial record. Phase 4C Batch 10.
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