Holy Hannah! NHC 2004

Joe Formanek

Varietal Honey Mead with Macadamia Nut Honey

for 5 U.S. gal (19 L)

Ingredients

            12.0     lb (5.44 kg) macadamia nut honey

            1.0       L White Labs sweet mead yeast

                        Sparkolloid to clarify

 Specifics

            •          Original specific gravity: 1.092

            •          Final specific gravity: 1.036

            •          Boiling time: n/a

            •          Primary fermentation: 50 days at 68° F (20° C) in glass

            •          Secondary fermentation: 165 days at 68° F (20° C) in glass

Directions

Heat must to 160° F (71°C) and hold for 60 minutes.

Judges’ Comments

“Well-made, interesting mead. Nice start but a disappointing finish. Alcohol and acid should mellow out with age.”

“Very enjoyable varietal mead for enjoying after dinner. A piece of pineapple-upside down cake would fare nicely. Great honey expression. Good job keeping the aroma intact. Very delicate. Cheers!”

“Very good mead. Very interesting. Captured macadamias well. Not quite sweet enough to balance alcohol heat. A little astringency and harshness coming through. Still very drinkable. Good job.”