Another Mead Idea

[hartm]

It seems I get my next idea for a mead after I get one started. I'm thinking about making a mead using Star Anise as a spice. I will probably use the Buckwheat honey since I have plenty left from my blended honey (and it tasted awesome).


I would add the star anise and some other spices after the fermentation is over to just infuse the mead with the flavor.


What do you think?

 

[vcasey]

Sounds like you are hooked!

Actually adding spices to meads is a great idea and this sounds like another fine mead idea. Have you picked up The Compleat Meadmaker yet? It is a fantastic book with a couple of really terrific and very popular recipes, like my apple cyser (Fall's Bounty Cyser is the name). You can find my posts here http://www.finevinewines.com//Wiz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8265
VC

 

[hartm]

I did get "the Complete Meadmaker". It is a great resource. I'm planning a cyser this fall, too. I'm waiting for the local farms to start producing Honey Crisp Cider. It is really good.


I got the star anise idea when I made venison stew a few days ago. I used star anise and cinnamon in the stew. It was a great combination and I thought it would go well with the honey.


My wife thinks I'm nuts since I'm planning a bunch of these meads when I'm not sure if I sill like them. I told her "This is my new hobby, this is what I do". Besides, I'm working on 1 gal batches which is a good size to experiment on.

 

[Dean]

Don't get discouraged on meads! Some of them take a long time to get good, especially those with buckwheat honey! I've had some meads take about 3 to 4 years to become quite good. Just leave them if they are not to your taste, and usually, they come around.