Hey all!
I'm brewing my first batches of mead, keeping things relatively simple. I'm running two batches at the same time and readings have been consistent between them.
3 pounds honey by weight
96 ounces of spring water
1/2 packet of EC-1118
OG: 1.110
Temp consistent between 70-75 degrees ambient air.
We've been in the fermenters for a week now, and initially thought my fermentation process was going pretty slow. Everything I've read says 1118 should be rocketing through the fermentation process, but this took a good 3 days before I really started to see anything in the airlocks.
I took my first read today and we've only really dropped 30 points (1.080).
I should note that I did not re-hydrate my yeast or use any yeast nutrients, which probably isn't helping matters given the amount of honey in the jug, nor did I take any pH readings.
Airlock activity has been slow once it finally started, and there has not been a ton of visible bubbles up the sides. However, the must is cloudy so it's gassy and stuff is working.
My question: do you think this drop is reasonable considering the above goofs I made, and do you think it would be worth while to rehydrate and add a bit of extra yeast to kick things up a notch? I plan to add some fruits in for secondary conditioning, but wanted this to be a little dryer before doing so.
Thanks in advance!