I don’t even know. When it stops bubbling and turns clear.
I’ve read anything from 2 months to 6 months before bottling. Then anywhere from a few weeks to a year before maturity.
My first batch is a month old and the bubbling has slowed considerably. Over the last week, it’s started visibly clearing. Should’ve racked it last week, but I’m waiting for my new siphon. I should be able to taste and bottle it in another month (from how it’s behaving).
Now I did use a champagne yeast instead of bread yeast, so that might make a difference in fermentation time.
But this is the first time that I’ve ever done this, so I’m flying blind. There’s a mead-making class in our town this weekend and I need to go.
My goal is to start 3 gallons a month - once I actually figure out what I’m doing.
Awesome - great idea using champagne yeast.
I always use champagne yeast no matter what type of beer I make, so as to get the maximum amount of alcohol.