Tupelo Sack Mead (1 gal)
Sack
by Anonymous brewer
★ Official
A sack mead is a high-gravity, sweet, dessert-style mead. Tupelo honey resists crystallization and produces an exceptionally smooth result. Patience required — sack meads peak at 18-24 months.
Batch1.0 gallon
Target ABV17.3%
Target OG1.15
Target FG1.02
HoneyTupelo
YeastLalvin EC-1118
Ingredients
| Quantity | Unit | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | lbs | tupelo honey | |
| — | Spring water to 1 gallon | ||
| 1.0 | packet | Lalvin EC-1118 yeast (high alcohol tolerance) | |
| — | Fermaid O nutrient (TONSA protocol — full 4 additions, larger batch needs) | ||
| 0.5 | tsp | DAP (day 1, supports healthy start at high gravity) |
Instructions
- Sanitize all equipment.
- Warm 1/2 gallon water to ~100°F.
- Dissolve 4 lbs of tupelo honey gradually into the warm water.
- Top up to 1 gallon. Take OG — target ~1.150 (very high; expect it).
- Pitch rehydrated EC-1118 at 65-72°F. Apply TONSA protocol with DAP on day 1.
- Primary ferment 6-8 weeks. EC-1118 will push to ~17-18% ABV but residual sweetness will remain due to high starting gravity.
- Rack to secondary; age MINIMUM 6 months (12+ recommended).
- Bottle when stable. Sack meads dramatically improve with age — drink at 18-24 months for best results.
- Serve in small pours with strong cheese, dark chocolate, or simply on its own as dessert.