I think I ruined my traditional mead. I have less that a gallon because I tasted it. I lost some in racking. It is absolutely disgusting, although it is clear. I managed to rack it beautifully see-through clear. I back sweetened it with 5 oz of lavender honey. I had purchased it in a kit. It doesn't taste like soap, but it doesn't taste like lavender either. I bottled it, and I figured that I would let it age. Maybe in a year it will be good. I took two Shasta tonic water bottles and filled them with some of the mead. I figured that I could play with flavors at home. I put a drop of vanilla in it. I have these essential oils that can be used for flavoring. I took a toothpick, dipped it in lemongrass, and I dropped the toothpick in the mead bottle. I did the same with bergamot. I will let y'all know in a week or so if the flavor shifts. Have any of you made a lavender mead, and made it really well? If so, do you have any advice?