Electro Mead Smith: An old friend: Cherry Cyser Adventure

Re-posting this here as it turned out well! It been aging for about 17 months now. Originality posted: 11/21/2010

So, here is my recipe. I was inspired and mostly copied the recipe from a very talented guy that goes by the handle "oskarr" on www.gotmead.com. I ponied up the bones and purchased a patron membership so I can have access to the seasoned veterans of mead making. Given that fact, I can not share the exact recipe. The specific honey, the variety of cherries, and his specific nutrient additions and procedures will remain shrouded in secrecy until you too go and sign up...

Here is the exact version I made. I did fuck with it so...it may turn out to be Shiza instead of Cyser.

Direction Change = HOLY SHIT!!! (Cherry Killer)

Recipe NOW:

2.5 Gallons Apple Juice

8 lbs. Honey

28oz Dried Cherries

48oz Tap Water

250ml Spring Water @ 41C

12.5g Goferm

10g Lavlin D-47 Yeast

Nutrient Additions (As dictated by Proteus)

Lag Phase (SG = 1.133)

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6.89g Fermaid-K

8.27g DAP

1/4 Sugar Break (SG = 1.102)

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3.45g Fermaid-K

5.51g DAP

1/2 Sugar Break (1.068)

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3.45g Fermaid-K

0.00g DAP

Added Nitrogen = 382ppm

Assumed Apple Juice YAN = 50ppm (Based on how much I add to keep H2S limited)

Assume Honey YAN = 390ppm (When diluted into 13.25L = 107ppm)

Total YAN = 539ppm

This recipe started yesterday by rehydrating the dried cherries. The next day the true adventure began...

Step ONE! Rehydrate your yeasty beasties... This involves water, Goferm, heat, and stuff... Go here: http://www.yeastwhisperer.com/uploads/YeastWhisp_Yeast_Hyd_Nut_07.pdf. Read that for all you need to know about re-hydration...

Step TWO! Make a mess. You must bring the apple juice and the honey together while getting as much oxygen into the must as you can. To that end I have fashioned my own lees stirring tool out of old plastic coat hangers and stainless steel bolts. Chuck this into an electric drill and...