Orange - Update

Hello again!

We are now on day 18 of the orange mead experiment. The fermentation is still going strong and is not showing any signs of significant slow down. There is about 1 bubble per 10 seconds. Still waiting for that target of 1 bubble per 30 seconds.

I have decided not to fortify this batch. Given the amount of mead that this batch is going to yield (about 3 gallons) I am leery to add 2 gallons of booze to a 3 gallon batch of mead as I am afraid it will turn an exceptionally good mead into a totally undrinkable beverage that tastes like junk.

Instead I have decided to carbonate this mead. I am going to carbonate it as if it were a beer and have these babies in beer bottles for a nice relaxing summer beverage. Considering how long it takes to ferment out (approx 2 months is my estimate...) then an extra 3 weeks carbonating in a bottle won't hurt. This will also allow the mead some time to hopefully mellow out.

At this point I am looking for a drinkable mead on or around March 20th or so.

I'll keep you posted!