How to make Mead

Step 9: Fill the bottles

Siphon the mead from the jug into the bottles, being careful not to suck up the solids that are on the bottom of the jug. This is probably best done with 2 people so that both ends of the tube stay under control.

We siphon by placing the jug on the kitchen counter and having bottles ready on a little kitchen stool (and in a tray) that allows the tops of the bottles to sit below the bottom of the jug, then we suck the mead through the tube to get it started*.

Consider beforehand what you might do with an odd volume of mead. Of course you can use differently sized bottles if you have a good way to seal them, and there's nothing wrong with aging a less-than-full bottle. But if it's a really meager serving, maybe just hand a couple of shots to some friends to watch them breathe fire. (We promise it mellows beautifully)

*Some instructions recommend swishing a mouthful of scotch before siphoning. For sterilizing purposes.

Comments

[JesterPoet]

Out of curiosity, how does one sterilize the tubing you use for the siphon in between uses? It seems like a difficult thing to sterilize.

[xmobisx]

you dont really have to sanitize between using just wash it really good. to sanatize the inside of the tube, i have a spigot on my bucket so i just attach the hose to it and fill it with sanitation solution and plug the hole when hose is full. once its full i take ot off the spigot and submerge the whole thing in the same solution. i use star san so it only takes 1 min to sanitize.

[macgyver71]

Xmo is correct, a good cleaning will work (soak in Oxyclean, its the same stuff we homebrewers use [aka PBW]) Star san is good, Iodophor if you have it (SS is much easier though),

[MoleMans]

Thats a good suggestion. I have never sanitized my siphon tube. I just rinse it well, which is probably gross. I guess I never really thought about the siphon before.

[Brogo1980]

ok being new to this i heard Mead is the best to start with. Altho i have a question, for separating the solids from the liquids would cheese cloth or a filter help here as it could help get the most out of your brew? also would a sterilized pump work too would really apperciate any info you may have or tips

[MoleMans]

We have always decanted, but I can't see filtering being a bad thing. Same with the pump, as long as you are sure it is a type that won't leak oil or some other nasty into the mead. It probably won't hurt you but it will make it taste gross. I use a syphon (ie a stretch of aquarium tubing dedicated to the task) and that works well.

[Brogo1980]

i was thinking a plastic hand pump that works on gravity i remember using one when i was younger to fill our room heater with fuel obviously i would use an new one that i cleaned with bleach and dried properly and thank you for responding

[MoleMans]

That would work great. I had one of those for my fish tank when I was a kid, haven't been able to find another one.

[Brogo1980]

if i happen to find them online i will let you know with the link attached and i will let you know how my fisrt batch comes out as well i start in two weeks or so