Mint Blossom Mead NHC06

Category 24: Traditional Mead

Gold Medal NHC 2006

Sponsored by: Winemaker Shop

Susan Ruud, Harwood, N.D., Sweet Mead, Prairie Homebrewing Companions

"Mint Blossom Mead"

Sweet Sparkling Mead

Ingredients for 6 U.S. gallons (22.7 liters)

24.0     lb (10.88 kg) mint blossom honey

25        drops pectic enzyme

1          T. Irish moss

0.5       tsp grape tannin

1          tsp acid blend

1          tsp yeast energizer

5          g Fermaid K

600      mL Flor Sherry yeast starter

Original Specific Gravity: [Unknown]

Final Specific Gravity: [Unknown]

Boiling Time: [Unknown]

Primary Fermentation: 1 year

Judges' Comments

"Well made mead with good honey character. Would probably enter as a petillant instead of sparkling. Mint honey whether perceived or a character gives a refreshing quality."

"Very nice mead, expresses the honey well and has good balance. The alcohol is certainly at the sack level, or at least seems that way from the warming character."