Posts tagged ‘tension tamer’
Tension Tamer Metheglin – Batch 008
I finally got up the supplies and urge to do another batch of mead. I should mention that I tried a little bit of the Sweet Raspberry Mead when my brother and his wife came to town and it is so good! I cannot wait for it to age a few years, it will only get better. I will have to make another 3 gallons soon.
On to the metheglin:
I love Celestial Seasonings tea. So why not make a mead out of it? Here’s the recipe for 3 gallons of mead:
3½ lbs orange blossom honey
3 lbs wildflower honey
24 tension tamer tea bags
1 tsp yeast nutrient
½ tsp yeast energizer
Lalvin EC-1118
water to make 3 gallons
I used the heat pasteurization method. I brought 2½ gallons of water to a boil for 10 minutes. I then removed it from the heat and added the honey along with the nutrient and energizer. I then let this sit for 30 minutes to pasteurize. During this time I added the tea, 12 bags at a time, for 7 minutes each. I took a reading with the hydrometer to find the OG at 1.077.
I didn’t think ahead enough to make a starter, so I settled for re-hydrating the yeast at 100° for 15 min while I cooled the must with my wort cooler. I cooled it to 68° and pitched the yeast. That’s all there is to it! I may try bottling it in about 2-3 months instead of waiting longer. This after hearing that Redstone Meadery only ages their nectars for 3 months before bottling.
I think I may have to make another batch of mead soon, perhaps another melomel. It goes fast after I start to share it!
Change of Plans
Due to a lack of funds, I am postponing the porter until I can get some money for a propane tank and ingredients. In the meantime, I’m going to brew up some more mead. I’m thinking of venturing into Metheglins (mead with spices). Further, I thought I should keep it local, and I know that I can get Colorado honey at Hops and Berries, my local brewing supply store. The question was where to get my spices. And then it hit me: who is the best at mixing exquisite spices? Celestial Seasonings. I’m going to make a Tension Tamer Metheglin. I just think this sounds terrific! So, I still need to get in the good graces of my wife to budget in the supplies, but this is the next batch unless I find a propane tank before I get my honey.
Just a little factoid for you today: Tension Tamer Tea actually has hops and catnip in it. Who knew? If you live around Boulder, CO or pass through it, definitely take the tour. It’s a lot of fun and all the tea you can drink! And then go to Redstone Meadery just down the road. Both very good tours.
