Thrilla from Vanilla

Classification: mead, metheglin, vanilla mead

Source: Forrest Cook (cook@stout.atd.ucar.EDU), Mead Digest #123, 5/1/93

Kelly Jones asks about whether vanilla works with mead. I respond with YES! very well, indeed. I had a chance to try some last summer and was very impressed. I did not get a recipe, so I had to wing it when it came to making my own.

The unfermented beverage tasted great, it's been bubbling away for over a month. I don't know how many vanilla beans are in one bottle, but I've heard that they are rather potent.

Ingredients: (for 7 gallons)

9 Lbs of mesquite honey
2 Tbsp gypsum
1 4 ounce bottle of Madagascar vanilla extract added after the must cooled
Canadian champagne yeast