You can definitely put hops in mead! Adding hops to mead can add a unique flavor profile and aroma to your final product. It can create a mead that has a beer-like quality with a balance of sweetness and bitterness.
To incorporate hops into your mead, it's important to wait until the mead is very clear. This ensures that any sediment or particles have settled to the bottom and won't interfere with the hops infusion process. Clearing the mead can take some time, depending on various factors such as the type of yeast used and fermentation temperature. Patience is key here!
Once your mead is clear, gently stir in an additional 0.75 lb (340 g) of honey. It's important to warm up the honey so that it flows nicely and easily incorporates into the mead. This additional honey will provide the necessary sugars for the hops to interact with during the infusion process.
Next, add potassium metabisulfite to the mead. This is a common additive used in winemaking and brewing to stabilize the mead and prevent oxidation. It also helps to inhibit any unwanted microbial growth. The amount of potassium metabisulfite to add will depend on the size of your batch and the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
It's time to add the hops! Choose a variety of hops that suits your taste preferences. Different hops can impart different flavors, aromas, and levels of bitterness. You can experiment with various hops to find the perfect combination for your mead.
Gently stir the hops into the mead, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the liquid. Over time, you should start to see a nice layer of hops settling on the bottom of your container. This is completely normal and indicates that the hops are infusing their flavors into the mead.
It's important to note that the length of time you leave the hops in the mead can greatly impact the final flavor and aroma. Some brewers prefer a shorter infusion time to achieve a more subtle hop presence, while others may leave the hops in for a longer period to create a more pronounced hop character. You can taste the mead periodically to determine when the hops have reached your desired level of flavor.
Once you're satisfied with the hop infusion, you can proceed with bottling or kegging your mead. Be sure to follow proper sanitation procedures to maintain the quality and stability of your mead.
Adding hops to mead can be a fun and creative way to enhance its flavor and aroma. It allows you to experiment with different hop varieties and create a mead that is truly unique to your taste preferences. So go ahead and give it a try – you may discover a new favorite mead recipe!