• PATRONS: Did you know we've a chat function for you now? Look to the bottom of the screen, you can chat, set up rooms, talk to each other individually or in groups! Click 'Chat' at the right side of the chat window to open the chat up.
  • Love Gotmead and want to see it grow? Then consider supporting the site and becoming a Patron! If you're logged in, click on your username to the right of the menu to see how as little as $30/year can get you access to the patron areas and the patron Facebook group and to support Gotmead!
  • We now have a Patron-exclusive Facebook group! Patrons my join at The Gotmead Patron Group. You MUST answer the questions, providing your Patron membership, when you request to join so I can verify your Patron membership. If the questions aren't answered, the request will be turned down.

Nutrient addition?

Barrel Char Wood Products

dougmedic

NewBee
Registered Member
Feb 22, 2008
34
0
0
60
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Hi :)

I'm making my second 25L batch. It's a Saskatoon Berry, Merlot Pyment.
http://www.gotmead.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=412&topic=6663.0

I'm at the 2/3 break with an SG of 1.030.

I did the following Nutrient schedule (takent from "Hightest's" pdf:
In initial must - 5gm @ DAP & genericYeast Energizer
End of lag phase - 2.5gm @ DAP & Yeast Energizer
1/3rd Sugar Break - 1.5gm @ DAP & Yeast Energizer

My question is, do I need any further nutrient addition?
 

Medsen Fey

Fuselier since 2007
Premium Patron
I would say that you probably don't need to add any more nutrients at this point. As the fermentation progresses the yeast become unable to incorporate DAP, and they can only utilize amino nitrogen (such as found in Fermaid 2133). Generally, I find that Hightest's schedule uses more than I find necessary - I'm not saying it's bad, just that I seem to be able to use less and still have quick, complete fermentations.
 

wayneb

Lifetime Patron
Lifetime GotMead Patron
Medsen,

Hightest developed his dosage schedule while working with traditional meads -- notoriously lacking in most nutrients. I always adjust the amounts downward for melomels, especially those using red fruits, which seem to have significant nitrogen content already.
 

Oskaar

Got Mead Partner
Administrator
Dec 26, 2004
7,874
8
0
34
The OC
I change my dosing schedule randomly just to piss people off! LOL (Just kidding)

However, on the more serious side I'm a firm believer in adjusting based on experience and the particular batch of mead you have under management at the moment.

For darker honeys and dark fruit (black, purple, red, etc) I pretty much go with standard wine dosages (except in strawberry sometimes depending on what I'm seeing in the fermentation kinetics), less dark fruit, I tend to adjust and go with smaller more frequent dosages. Traditionals and meths depend on the types of honey and spices being used.

To me it depends on the batch and how much experience you have with that type of mead, so I basically just adjust my regimen based on the batch and my recipe.

Hope that helps,

Oskaar
 
Barrel Char Wood Products

Viking Brew Vessels - Authentic Drinking Horns