Strawbana Cabana NHC 2004

Curt and Kathy Stock

Other Fruit Melomel

for 3 U.S. gal (11.4 L)

Ingredients

            10.0     lb (4.54 kg) Wildflower honey

            8.0       lb (3.63 kg) frozen strawberries

            2          ripe bananas

            1          can apple strawberry banana frozen juice concentrate

            2          packets Lalvin 71B yeast

            1          tsp energizer

            2          tsp nutrient

                        Forced CO2 to carbonate

Specifics

            •          Original specific gravity: 1.135

            •          Final specific gravity: 1.028

            •          Boiling time: n/a

            •          Primary fermentation: 25 days at 70° F (21° C) in glass

            •          Secondary fermentation: 40 days at 67° F (19° C) in glass

            •          Tertiary fermentation: 79 days at 65° F (18° C) in steel

Directions

 All fruit was jammed through a funnel into a carboy. Mead was racked onto the fruit.

Judges’ Comments

“Very drinkable mead with deceptive alcohol presence. Tannins are on the high side and the bananas just aren’t recognizable. But still a very nice mead. Either don’t mention the bananas or use more of them.”

“Somewhat hot from alcohol in the finish with a touch of astringency. I think strawberry lovers would really appreciate this mead.”