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Mead Lovers Digest #1559
Subject: Mead Lover's Digest #1559, 13 December 2011
From: mead-request@talisman.com
Mead Lover's Digest #1559 13 December 2011
Mead Discussion Forum
Contents:
Re: Predictability of sweet mead yeast ("Wout Klingens") ("Patrick St. Jean")
Re: Predictability of sweet mead yeast (MeadGuild@aol.com)
Re: Predictability of sweet mead yeast ("Bill Pierce")
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Subject: Re: Predictability of sweet mead yeast ("Wout Klingens")
From: "Patrick St. Jean" <stjeanp@pat-st-jean.com>
Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2011 15:16:34 -0600
On Dec 9, 2011, at 2:37 PM, mead-request@talisman.com wrote:
> Hi,
> I couldn't find the answer to this question directly, so forgive me, if this
> question has been answered somewhere.
> Please give me a link if it is.
> I am considering trying Wyeast Sweet Mead yeast 4184.
> I'd like a sweet mead with a FG of around 1.040.
> According to Wyeast labs this yeast has an alcohol tolerance of 11% ABV.
> Is reasonable to assume, that with an SG of 1.130 I get a sweet mead of
> around 10% ABV and a FG of 1.040?
> Any experience with this yeast in terms of predictability?
> Thanks a lot.
Hi!
I did a few test batches back in 2008 and was very disappointed by the
performance of 4184. That being said, from looking at my notes, it
sounds like it'd be a good match for what you're trying to do. My OG was
1.120 or so, FG was around 1.038. That was a little too sweet for my
tastes, but the dry finish yeast brought the other, identical batch down
to around 1.022.
Pat
- --
Pat in Lewisville '04 BMW R1150RT '97 XLH 883 (Rocinante)
BS#140 K0OOK EKIII rides with me
http://www.pat-st-jean.com/ http://www.bikerscum.org/
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Subject: Re: Predictability of sweet mead yeast
From: MeadGuild@aol.com
Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2011 21:18:23 -0500 (EST)
Our colleague "Wout Klingens" _wout@nivo-media.nl_
(mailto:wout@nivo-media.nl) wrote:
> I am considering trying Wyeast Sweet Mead yeast 4184.
> I'd like a sweet mead with a FG of around 1.040.
> According to Wyeast labs this yeast has an alcohol tolerance of 11% ABV.
> Is reasonable to assume, that with an SG of 1.130 I get a sweet mead of
> around 10% ABV and a FG of 1.040? Any experience with this yeast in
> terms of predictability?
A manufacturer's stated alcohol tolerance is the minimum ABV before alcohol
starts becoming toxic to the yeast. A stated 11% ABV could be anywhere
between 11 point something and 12.5%. So if you want a 10%, my advice is
to stop the fermentation.
Dick
- ---
Richard D. Adams
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Subject: Re: Predictability of sweet mead yeast
From: "Bill Pierce" <BillPierce@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:40:50 -0500
Wout Klingens asks about predicting the final gravity of his sweet mead.
Predicting the degree of fermentation is one of the most difficult things
about wine/cider/meadmaking or brewing. It takes a lot of experience with a
recipe and careful control of the process. Even commercial producers often
only have a ballpark idea of their final gravities.
In your case you are starting with a very high gravity (1.130). This places
a lot of stress on the yeast. You are going to want to pitch a large yeast
starter, aerate the must well and add yeast nutrient. I also recommend
progressive nutrient additions once fermentation begins. Otherwise you risk
an unstable, stuck fermentation with a much sweeter result than you are
seeking.
I have to say my experience with Wyeast 4184 has been problematic. I find
it to be "finicky," although others have reported good results. Better for
me has been White Labs WLP720, with which I have had good luck on several
occasions. Fermentation has completed, yet there is some residual
sweetness.
Doing the math, and assuming the O.G. you mention, 10 percent ABV would
result in an F.G. of 1.056, and 11 percent ABV would be 1.049. I'd guess
something closer to the latter, but the stated alcohol tolerance of a yeast
strain is at best a rough estimate. It also assumes that everything goes
well with your fermentation.
Others might tell you to make an offering to the mead gods and hope for a
fortuitous outcome.
Bill Pierce
Cellar Door Homebrewery
Burlington, Ontario
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End of Mead Lover's Digest #1559
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