So I made a basic homebrew mead about 7 weeks ago with clear honey , Lalvin D-47 yeast and strong black tea and lemon juice as the yeast nutrient in 2 5 gallon jugs. One has almost stopped bubbling.At the time I didn't know anything about measuring the specific gravity, hydrometers or anything. I just had two 2 5 gallon jugs , 2 airlocks Lalvin D-47 yeast and a whole lot of honey.
I 've been googling for the last week or so about when to bottle the mead as I want a bunch ready for Christmas but I can't find any clear instructions . One thing I do know how to tell is by using a hydrometer, however, obviously didn't take any initial readings . All I know right now is that the fermentation in one jug has completely slowed down and that it's looking pretty clear so I have 3 main questions.
1. All the yeast etc. that's settled in the bottom does that get left out during bottling?
2. Is it ready for bottling, if not how do I tell when it is without using a hydrometer?
3. How long should I wait to drink it after bottling?
I 've been googling for the last week or so about when to bottle the mead as I want a bunch ready for Christmas but I can't find any clear instructions . One thing I do know how to tell is by using a hydrometer, however, obviously didn't take any initial readings . All I know right now is that the fermentation in one jug has completely slowed down and that it's looking pretty clear so I have 3 main questions.
1. All the yeast etc. that's settled in the bottom does that get left out during bottling?
2. Is it ready for bottling, if not how do I tell when it is without using a hydrometer?
3. How long should I wait to drink it after bottling?
